Scrutiny update

At Scrutiny on Thursday the agenda was decidedly short and with little content (although we were still there from 6 to just after 9pm)....indeed a fair few councillors were absent completely....

The County Community Safety panel looks set to go completely as the moves towards Police and Crime Commissioners so there was no proper update on that. We did get a detailed update re the Health, Community and Care Scrutiny Committee and much is going on - we hope to get the Chief Exec to the next Scrutiny. Please don't forget to vote for option one if you haven't already - see here. We must keep the NHS out of private hands - although it seems even with a massive vote in favour of Option One they are not obliged to have to go down that route.....more on all this soon.

Meanwhile the canal was also on the agenda...we had updates on the various developments but key of course is the £10m shortfall. It seems many are now leaning towards seeing if it is poss to use the remaining money to go other way ie not Brimscombe. This is not decided but all seemed to support this lower risk option....this is a great shame indeed...the project has been managed well and I have been totally impressed by all the volunteers work and serious engineering challenges being got over....this move, if it goes ahead, means Brimscombe Port developments are effectively put on hold as time and energy is used to develop the canal further West.....no doubt more on all this soon too...See webcast: http://www.strouddc.public-i.tv/core/portal/webcast_interactive/73426

Deep hole in Stroud canal finances

Picture in Stroud museum

I was very very disappointed indeed to hear at the Scrutiny meeting this evening that finances for the canal seem to have gone seriously astray....we did not get the details at the meeting as they will be published in a paper coming out in about a week... however it is clear there are some really big questions to answer.

One of plans for Brimscombe port

This evening's meeting was to hear from all the new Exec members what their plans were for Stroud District and how Scrutiny can best support in it's role as 'critical friend'. Leader Geoff Wheeler made these shocking revelations about the hole in canal finances to Scrutiny in his presentation promising more information....

It has certainly been clear for some time that the finances have not been stacking up well ...the drop in land values has meant that Brimscombe Port has become less viable...but the Leader seemed to suggest that there was no money left for beyond Capel Mill and indeed we maybe £1.7m short for even Capel Mill...this would be a huge huge blow and I find it shocking we have not known about this despite questions to the previous administration. Indeed we were assured by the previous Cabinet member that virtually all was well.

Some of the many volunteers

There are now rumours the shortfall could be huge - if so why are we only just learning about it? What will that mean re the Lottery? After all the grant was for heritage and the bulk of that is at Brimscombe. Would anyone give us a grant again if we don't complete the project? To be fair all along there have been positive reports about how well the project has been managed and there is no question the huge buzz around it - the recent Stroud on Water event demonstrated the enthusiasm of local people for this canal....also many hundreds nay I'm sure thousands of people have volunteered to help this project.....

So what now? Is there an opportunity to still make this happen? Would the Lottery consider further grants....after all land values are difficult to forecast...or are there other reasons for the short fall? And what of additional funds from elsewhere? And are there other options re developing the canal? I'm optimistic that we will soon get some answers to questions and maybe there is still a way we can all pull together to make this exciting project still happen?

I can hardly believe it was 4 years ago the Council took the brave step to go-ahead with this project - you can see my discussion re project back in June 2008 and why I abstained, 'Canal vote; millstone or flagship' here.....it's vital it doesn't become a millstone.....

....anyway it is late now and I need some sleep....no doubt this topic will soon be again on this blog.....

Lake at The Lawns party film

Here are some film clips from the Victorian party which I've put together - it includes stuff about the restoration and history of the site - as folk know the Lake is where the Ruscombe brook flows before going into canal:
http://stroudcommunity.tv/the-lake-at-the-lawns-party-history-and-renovation-3rd-june-2012/     

Brewery Bridge opened

I was out last week and managed to see Princess Anne opening the Brewery Bridge - happened to be in town so no special trip but great to see so many people marking this key step in progress. Indeed crowds were there despite the snow

Meanwhile we have until Friday to vote regarding the Wallbridge road  reopening - see my previous blog post with my video and details of the consultation here. Basically many of us think the Wallbridge road in Stroud should remain closed and we all have a chance to vote at the Cotswold Canal Centre until 17th Feb.

I came back via Wallbridge after a meeting and the canal boat was being winched out and put on a lorry.

You can see some photos by Ruscombe photographer Mike Gallagher from Friday if you access flickr via link on www.cotswoldcanals.com latest news.

Energy Strategy set to fly

At Scrutiny meeting at Ebley Mill on Thursday night we passed the Energy Strategy for our Council Housing stock - I have been working on this for too long! I will say a bit more ion that but also cover in this blog more from Scrutiny re NHS and Canal

The Energy Strategy was a recommendation in the inquiry I chaired which started 2 years ago! That got passed when I presented it to Cabinet in March 2010 but then various things led to a delay and in the recent inquiry I chaired on Decent Homes Standard for housing we reiterated that call with a deadline for November this year. Well you can now download the paper from:
http://www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/democ/meeting_details.asp?meet_id=1359

At the meeting I gave it a huge welcome - there are too few Councils taking this issue seriously enough - and particularly in the light of news this week that average household fuel bills are now a staggering £1,000!! As I have repeatedly said it is unacceptable that we have more than 15% of households in the district in fuel poverty. This strategy will go a way to prioritising and tackling that. The strategy passed unanimously.  I diod also note thanks to Officers and others for working on this strategy - particularly Ruth Kirkup who has now left the Council. See more background here: http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com/2011/04/success-re-step-to-tackle-fuel-poverty.html

Canal update

Councillors were treated to an update of progress re the canal - the highlight this week being the Ryeford Double Lock gates -  The Cotswold canal Trust have a great website which is regularly updated - see: http://www.cotswoldcanals.com/

I mentioned the Brewery windows - see previous blog here and it seems money is being sought to repair these. I also noted at the meeting the huge volunteer input from individuals and also the support of great organisations like REACH. They really are making a significant difference to the project - and it has also been great to meet some of the volunteers and see and hear the enthusiasm for the project. The Scrutiny Committee passed a note to congratulate volunteers and I also asked to hear back more about how we can recognise/thank volunteers.

NHS

Well we had a verbal report back from the County Scrutiny Chair which sounds like they will completely ignore the 'demand' by Stroud District to look at the changes to our health service. See more background here. I am seeking the legal advice they got that they say means they cannot look at those changes. See also here link to Guardian coverage re Glos health. More on all this soon - there were other issues re the NHS but it seems as a District we have very little powers to make a difference. See also Molly's blog this week: http://gaianeconomics.blogspot.com/2011/10/where-is-social-in-social-enterprise.html

Riots

Anyway there was a fair bit more at the meeting but check out the webcast on the District Council site to see more. Apparently the County Community Safety Committee will look at how the riots were handled but not the causes. This seems a missed opportunity - see Green Party response here.

New Brewery Bridge - only part not renovated is the brewery

Yesterday I blogged on the great new cafe at the Brewery Bridge well today a bit of an update on some canal issues. This blog covers the Brewery windows, a brief update re vulnerable users and the path at Capel Mill.

Brewery windows.

Several people raised with me that they were surprised to see that the windows had not been cleared of rubble or plants before the water was returned to the canal (see photo attached). I have asked the Canal Manager as surely the water will make any future work more difficult? It would be slightly strange if the brewery part of the new 'Brewery Bridge' was the only part not to be restored.

The District Council said something along the lines of that the contract was let by the County Council and thus was not under their control. They note that they did manage to secure access for the volunteers early in the contract, to remove a large quantity of Victorian bricks, but doing so caused quite a few problems! They share concerns regarding the windows, but there was simply insufficient funding available; restoration of the wall was deleted from the contract very early on. Nonetheless, they are looking at possible solutions, which might involve excavating behind the wall to allow access. So all is not lost.

Vulnerable Road Users.

I recently covered the issue of the new Brewery Bridge on this blog and have to say I am still very frustrated by the developments there. My comments based on the work by the campaign group and County councillor Sarah Lunnon, include:

The Stroud Pedestrian and Cycle Forum and others have long raised concerns about the lack of improvement for pedestrians using the junction - the new underpass is one route but not sufficient. I have to say I am also concerned that this key entrance into Stroud seems to be designed for cars and not other users in mind. The road outside the Stroud and Swindon building has also been extended to take up an even bigger area. Can we be reassured that there will be real consultation over the road outside the Visitors Centre: as noted by many this could be a useful cycle and pedestrian entrance that is far more welcoming. Traffic going through there either way would be a disaster. In a brief poll at the visitors Centre and a few people at the cafe there was not one person in favour. It was also mentioned that the disabled access to the Visitors Centre that is planned will not be much use without disabled parking outside - again that huge area of tarmac near the roundabout has potential.
As a gateway to Stroud this is a sensitive area - as recognised in the Public Realm Strategy adopted by the County Council. One person in the visitors centre said they had heard that the through road will be opened again. I am very concerned that we will loose the opportunity to improve this site. I would support those who have recommended that an independent body with experience in reconciling the use of public places for vehicles and pedestrians is commissioned to undertake a study of the junction. They could provide some simple, easy to implement measures that will improve safety of junction for pedestrians and cyclists - and provide a public realm that benefits the gateway to Stroud Town and the Canal and enable vulnerable users of the junction better access.
 
The District have noted the issues are highway matters in which the canal team cannot become involved, though they note that they understand the issues raised. I have also raised the issue with GCC but am still waiting a reply.

Path route further down near Newtons Way. 

Lastly for this blog I've had comments regarding the replacement path being not straight and therefore feeling less safe to people walking it. The Canal Manager at Stroud District Council notes that their understanding is that the 'wiggly' path, being longer, is DDA compliant. Reprofiling of the site at this point and replanting should mean that it is not as heavily overgrown as at present - but they have asked the project engineer to recheck these assumptions and to look at any simpler alternatives. They will come back to me when they have some better information.

Visitors Centre

Lastly if you have not been down the the Canal Visitors Centre then do go - it has a wealth of information - andgreat knowledgeable people to talk to plus a a walk around the area that includes peeping through a hole into the Millikens factory.

Lockkeepers Café a great new addition to Stroud

It has to be said that Stroud has some great cafes well a couple of weeks ago I made it to the newly opened café next to the Canal Visitor Centre in Stroud.  The Lockkeepers Café at Wallbridge has had a total refit and is now selling cakes and light lunches using local bread and cheeses. Breakfasts are hoped to be on their way soon.

The service, coffee and cake were all good, there was also a queues of people when I went - already regulars amongst them. In this blog both photos are mine but the article below about the cafe is from Ruscombe resident Mike Gallagher for the Cotswold Canal Trust.

A report from Mike Gallagher

The Lockkeepers Café alongside Bell House at Wallbridge in Stroud is now open! The lock-side café… “Will become a daily necessity for local coffee addicts” says proprietor Wendy Townsend.

Wendy describes her vision for this unique waterside venue… “It will become a place to dream as you escape the daily stresses of life… a comfortable place to meet your friends or read a book. We will offer the best prepared coffee in the area. It will be complemented by cakes and light lunches. Customers will also enjoy free newspapers, magazines and wireless internet connection”

Quality food & drink

The café uses local suppliers including Walkers bakery, Hania cheeses and ales from Stroud brewery. The cafe is licenced to sell local beer, cider and fine wines. The work of local artists adorns the walls and the lock-side garden is shared with the adjacent Cotswold Canals Trust Visitor Centre.

Cafe Opening Hours

Monday – Friday 8.30am – 6pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm
Sunday 11am – 4pm

How it came about

Wendy received news in October 2010 that she was to be made redundant. Her response was characteristically positive and energetic.

“I became bored with being at home all the time and was determined not to turn the TV on during the day. I trawled the internet looking for work and applied for many positions. I had a few responses and two interviews. One day while out walking I noticed how much litter there was everywhere. I rang Stroud District Council and told them I would like to do some litter picking."

"Then I spoke to someone about doing voluntary work on the canal towpath – I went to the Thursday Drop in Volunteering days at the Canal Visitor Centre. I loved it!”

“The volunteers are a fantastic group of people. One day whilst we were eating our lunch on the lock side lawn Sheila, a friend I have known for years pointed out that the former Lockkeeper’s bar was vacant. Sheila encouraged me to open the place up as a café. I jumped at the chance!”

Wendy explains, “The place needed a total refit. So, I became a Project Manager. My sons Lee and Matthew (pictured right with Wendy) did the construction and fit out. They have been absolute stars for their mum!”

Tank clears bike lanes - not suitable for Brewery Bridge in Stroud?

Remember Cllr Sarah Lunnon's 'Pedestrians on Pavements' campaign (POP) and the plonker award to cars parked on pavements in Stroud - see here. Well Mayor of Vilnius is a little more dramatic and takes out Mercedes parked in a bike lane - with a tank. See film here. Joking aside it sometimes takes such a statement to get folk to wake up?

Photo: Tulip earlier this year - nothing to do with this blog entry but looks nice!

Greens are still trying to sort the dire new Brewery Bridge in Stroud - see campaign here - Sarah Lunnon wrote in a blistering attack on the proposals in Stroud Life while the Town Council are also seeking answers. It does seem the Glos County Highways are sometimes a law unto themselves and totally ignore locally democratically elected bodies. Well Sarah has also written to theCommisioning Director with responsibility for Highways to draw a number of concerns to their attention.

These concerns centre on two areas, the incremental difficulties added to using the junction on foot or by bike and the lack of thought in the design process given to this sensitive gateway area. Here is some more detail:

Vulnerable Road Users

When the plans for the bridge where first submitted for consultation with the Stroud Pedestrian and Cycle Forum maybe three years ago, major reservation were voiced about the lack of improvement for pedestrian using the junction (although a new underpass provides one route from Cainscross Rd to Wallbridge this was not accepted as a direct useable pedestrian route). The Pedestrian and Cycle Forum made repeated and sustained responses to the plans and continued in their response that the proposed work made the junction incrementally more difficult for vulnerable road users.

The main response to these concerns and concerns raised by a District Councillor for a neighbouring ward was that any changes to make the junction more pedestrian friendly would detrimentally affect the vehicle flow and that the usage of the junction by pedestrians and cyclist was so low that there was no call for any major improvements. However one only has to be present the  morning and  afternoon when students attending Marling and the High School are walking to and from railway station to see there are significant peaks in pedestrian crossing  this junction, along with gradually increasing number of  local employees cycling and walking into Stroud

Given these responses, and the views of the local residents who have formed an action group because their views have not been taken into account, why was the carriageway outside the Stroud and Swindon building extended. This action has resulted in the area of green spaces being leased to Stroud Town Council to mange being substantially reduced in area, a zebra crossing extended meaning the pedestrians now have to spend more time in the carriageway and the area of black-top extended by even more.

Public Realm

The restoration of the Stroudwater Canal has been undertaken to act as a major regeneration project for the Stroud District, the point  where the canal intersects most closely with Stroud Town centre is at the junction of Merrywalks and Rowcroft. This means that pedestrians in Stroud who wish to visit this major regeneration project, or canal users who wish to use the services of the town will use this area. As a gateway to Stroud this is a sensitive area, as recognised in the Public Realm Strategy adopted by the County Council.

Why then has the area been treated only as a road junction with the design process, signage and lighting being undertaken for a highway junction, the benefit of the road user and no thought been given to the visual impact of the area, eg, large directional sign on the remaining green open spaces, multiple signage on pathways, disproportionally high and bright lighting schemes.

Way forward

We now request that an independent body with experience in reconciling the use of public places for vehicles and pedestrians is commissioned to undertake a study of the junction and provide some simple, easy to implement measures that will improve safety of junction for pedestrian and cyclist  and provide a public realm that benefits the gateway to Stroud Town and the Canal and enable vulnerable users of the junction better access. We would recommend Ben Hamilton-Baillie Associates based in Bristol.

Maybe we do need a tank to make a statement?

Cotswold Canal Trust latest news

Ruscombe photographer Mike Gallagher has recently been writing lots for the Cotswold Canal Trust. You can see his various reports on their website: www.cotswoldcanals.com/pages/latest-news.php

It is exciting to see the canal progress - yes still lots to go but significant steps forward - some great paths have been created along stretches of the canal and work will begin very soon on the replacement of two former swing bridges over the canal – Stonehouse Ocean and Chestnut Lane, Stroud. At the Ocean site, a new hand-operated swing bridge will be installed; work having been delayed to allow a wedding to take place on 30th July! While Chestnut Lane will see a full 44 tonne electro-hydraulic bridge.

The website has details - also on the website there is the webcam of the Brewery Bridge construction - the bridge is meant to open today. I also discovered that when the flag is flying the Wallbridge Lock Visitor Centre is open! Worth a visit to find out more about the whole project.

Lastly the first big festival on the canal is due to be held on June 2,3 & 4 next year on Marling School Playing Field. The section of canal from Wallbridge to Stonehouse will by then be restored, and the event is also the 2012 Inland Waterways Association Trailboat Festival and CCT 40th birthday celebrations. Small boats will be operating along the canal offering trips, and they plan to have a horse drawn trip boat. Of course the project will not be completed by then as there is still much to do - not least Brimscombe Port and the developments proposed there.

Vote for two canal schemes today

Voting takes place today, 29th June, for The People’s Millions from 9am to midnight. Stroud Canals Connections, a project creating canal footpaths and more, is wanting our votes - TO VOTE PHONE 0871 62 68 128. Calls are 11p from a landline and you can vote 10 times! Meanwhile see below for details of the hydro scheme that needs support.

Update: We were runner up but still got the money - so thanks to all who voted!

The Connections project has requested funding of £55,900 to create a canal side footpath connecting the town and the surrounding national and regional paths. The route will be signposted by traditional mile markers and podcast recordings made by the community that capture the spirit of the district through stories about its past and their vision for its future. Great stuff! Good luck to this project. More information can be found and messages of support left on the project page http://www.peoplesmillions.org.uk/2011-finalists/west/stroud-canals-connections

Hydro project needs support

The Cotswolds Canal Trust wants your help. See details here: http://www.energyshare.com/dudbridge-locks-hydro/

This project is apparently separate from any proposed schemes at Ebley Mill or Kimmins Mill - both of which are also on the River Frome - this scheme aims to use flow in the canal. The Trust want a grant and then when built it will take 'Fits' to provide income for canal maintenance. It is important to recognise this is not the best site for a hydro scheme but it would be able to demonstrate possibilities for hydro in the Five Valleys. There is considerable potential for more use of small scale hydro and it is frustrating that not more projects are moving ahead.

Andy Read blogs: County blocks food waste to heat pool and more

Andy Read (pictured right with John Marjoram) is the Independent district councillor and former Mayor of Stroud - Greens didn't stand against him in the recent elections - a rare event indeed but Andy has demonstrated leadership on many key 'green' issues. Anyhow he has a blog sharing what he gets up to and I wanted to share it here - in particular a couple of his recent blogs....

Firstly an issue I have been meaning to write on for a while - the County Council blocking plans for an anaerobic digester that could be used to heat Stroud swimming pool. You can read his blog here - this story has a long history - the county argue they want a bigger contract with all the Districts but here is a real local solution that works out economically - we deal with our own waste and heat the pool - with rising fuel prices we must do something to tackle the costs - in the new contract for Stratford Park it looks like any rises will be shared between SDC and the new company that looks set to possibly take over from Parkwood to manage Stratford Park Leisure. At the recent Cabinet meeting I asked if, as I had requested long ago, that the new contract had a clear clause that SDC can add renewables in the future. It does.

The second item that caught my eye - had missed it in the news - was police will now travel free on Stagecoach - see here - this might save money - see Andy's blog on the £18m cuts to police here - more importantly it might lead to safer public transport and hopefully a green message to other organisations?

Third was Andy's item on Capel Mill and the canal route - see here - some will remember some years ago the Iranian artist working there - see my photos of his fantastic work here - anyway the new plans were on show at Brunel Mall a week or so ago and I went along - I have to say they are a vast improvement on previous plans. Indeed the previous plans and the sham consultation that went with them left a nasty taste - this route does seem to address most of the major concerns. Although I have to say while the canal project is moving ahead there are very real concerns about the budget - we learnt recently that the shortfall has risen from £2.3 million reported in March, to £3.38 million now.

Canal to provide water for SE is a big mistake

The local papers report that the Cotswold Canals Trust Chief Ken Burgin is delighted by news that Thames Water will look at taking water from the Severn area via the canal to supply the South East. While Stroud District Deputy Leader, Cllr Keith Pearson rather worryingly welcomed 'any initiative which helped with the regeneration of canals'.

Photo: canal near Saul

Where are the arguments about Thames Water managing the resources they already have, rather than transporting more water around the country?

This water transfer plan sounds like our crazy roads policy which increases supply to meet demand whereas what we need is to question the growing demand. Thames Water needs to properly look after their own water resources by tackling the vast amount of water lost in leaks and supporting land management schemes that protect their residents with flood control measures, but also conserve water.

It is quite extraordinary that homes are still being built without proper rainwater harvesting in areas like the SE where water resources are already stretched.  We are creating huge problems for the future. The situation is already dire.

Meanwhile a recent report published by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation says that low-income households are at particular risk because of new methods being introduced to increase the efficient use and distribution of water. It defines "water poverty" as when households spend 3% or more of their income on water bills.  The report, Vulnerability to Heat Waves and Drought: Adaptation to Climate Change, by the environmental consultancy AEA and a team from the University of Surrey, warns that water is becoming scarce as a result of climate change and increased consumer demand.  An estimated four million households in the UK are already "water poor", according to the report, and the situation is likely to worsen, with bills predicted to rise by 5% a year for some customers.

It sounds like the canal can't be the answer in any case. As The Citizen noted retired land drainage firm boss, Martin Neville said: "The biggest obstacle to transferring the water via the canal is lack of suitable water supply. Money is still being raised from the public on the basis that full restoration is feasible. Calculations based on discussions with the Environment Agency lead me to the conclusion that providing a workable water supply would be impracticable."

When will salmon return to Salmon Springs?

This short film was produced in 1989 by Stroud Valleys Project and I only saw it earlier this year - I've been meaning to add it to this blog as it is sadly still relevant today - although moves for hydro at Ebley are again being explored - these are important as hydropower is one of the critical requirements for restoring salmon.



The last known rod caught salmon was at Salmon Springs in the late 1950s, following the closure of access to the River Severn. There is theoretical access via the Gloucester Sharpness Canal - and I'm told by local water expert Julian Jones that a salmon was claimed to have been pitchforked out of the Frome in the 1960s. Julian also notes that he did several times hook large salmon-like fish while trout fishing in the '70s & '80s but couldn't get them to the surface to see what they were, before being snapped up.

Another obstacle for salmon is the river Frome weir at Whitminster - they can apparently sometimes been seen there - dying.

Salmon was once so common that servants complained of its frequent appearance on the menu. The decline of salmon fisheries throughout the UK, especially where salmon farms are in estuaries, places an important emphasis on there restoration wherever possible. I'm also told that the Frome 'salmon' probably included runs of Slob Trout, estuarine sea trout, as the local 'salmon' were often claimed to have white flesh. This is a feature of Slob Trout, which are Sea Trout that live in estuaries and feed only on fish - they grow very large, are very silver and look like salmon. The pink flesh of salmon, sea trout and some (most of our larger local) brown trout, is pink from a diet of crustaceans.

Anyhow it would be good to see interested individuals come together on this issue to see if we can really restore salmon to Salmon Springs. Certainly in the Ruscombe Brook Action Group and the Stroud Valleys Water Forum we are pushing for the improvements that will eventually lead to their return! Anyone interested in helping take this issue forward?

Combined Sewer Overflows in the Stroud District

As noted in the film a Combined Sewer Overflow is a valve that operates when the sewers are surcharged due to heavy rain. The valve discharges the sewage that the sewer can not carry into the brooks, streams and rivers of Stroud - a problem that most of the country suffers from and has been covered previously on this blog.

Severn Trent has permission from the EA for this practice, and Severn Trent has a list of where the outlets are in Stroud. The impact on bio-diversity can be very large. One way of solving the problem without re-building the Victorian sewer network would be a series of reed-beds to clean-up the discharge before it enters the water-course.

In the last couple of months I have been following up on the Combined sewer overflow problem at Gladfield Gardens in Ebley. I have written to Severn Trent (no answer), spoken to Cainscross Parish Council who were going to write a letter of concern and I have now spoken with the Environment Agency at some length. I am particularly concerned that this site poses a health risk to residents and will also negatively impact on plans to develop the canal.

See also ex-Nailsworth resident's Devon organic carp farm here.

Canal gets go-ahead

Last night at a Full Council Extraordinary Meeting on the canal, the Council Chamber at Ebley Mill was full with the public gallery spilling over into the canteen downstairs - mostly canal supporters there to see the Council make it's final approval of the project.

Photo: a view from 'Local Scribbler Russ' re the canal

The canal got voted through with seven objections and one abstention. I have to say this was a particularly difficult decision for me - there were good reasons to support this and for rejecting this project...

As many testified that evening the canal is a bold move - and for me at this time of crisis an investment of this size in the community is likely to have a significant impact on the local economy and perhaps more importantly a positive impact in the business and community confidence in the area. There is no question that some excellent work has been done on this by Stroud District Council.

The benefits by 2020 have been listed - if project is completed within 4 years - as an extra 215,000 visitors, 21 new permanent tourism jobs, 600 other new jobs in private sector, 13,800m2 of new work space, £83m in private sector investment (eg new homes etc), help to rare species plus a £94,000 multi-user trail / towpath...but wow are there risks - huge risks - the Council has spelled those out in the papers that evening - here are some from the report and other areas of concern:

- Iceland borrowing has still not been sorted,
- Brimscombe Port will have to have a developer for the site (not easy in this current climate where many local developments like Hunts Grove have been partially or totally moth balled) and if not then the whole project can't proceed,
- there are strings attached to the Lottery grant that mean we could be liable to repay the grant ourselves - ie Council Tax rises or service cuts,
- complex legal arrangements,
- there is still no agreement or plan as to who will maintain the canal after the works have been completed - ie possible Council Tax rises or service cuts,
- the impact on the project of the economic downturn has not fully been assessed,
- money from the sale of Dudbridge Depot and the planned sale of the Dursley supermarket site are earmarked for the project: my own view is that despite assurances at Council last night that Dursley and other areas far from the canal will get little benefit from the canal yet have to bear the costs,
- projects like this have a habit of costs over running especially where contaminated land is involved (eg Millenium Dome and Bath Spa) - again poss Council Tax rises or service cuts,
- some of the benefits would appear to be overstated - particularly as this is a landlocked canal: 'a 6 mile pond' or as Cllr Lunnon described it last night as a 'palatial if skinny duck pond' - there do not appear to be allowances for this and comparisons of benefits are made with those connected to the canal system
- I still have concerns that the multi-user trail will not be up to scratch - if it is not wide enough it will not be used significantly as a commuting route - see more discussion here,
- the canal route at Capel Mill is still subject to much controversy - see here - but more importantly the way this was handled raised concerns about the whole consultation process - indeed other local groups like a Parish Council have also raised this concern,
- another example of this is that the Green party back in early June submitted a series of questions to the Council re the canal - see questions and discussion here - incredibly despite at least four requests for those questions to be answered they only arrived late Friday with the Green party Cllr Sarah Lunnon who was unable to forward to the rest of the group until Monday - the day before the meeting. I have to say this lack of willingness to engage with elected members gave me very real and serious cause for concerns,
- lastly and perhaps most importantly, while this project clearly would have a positive impact on the community it does not tackle head on the greatest needs of our community or the greatest threats to it. We are using all our capital millions and quite possibly needing to borrow in the future to progress this project yet our priorities should be cutting CO2 emissions
and preparing for the impacts of climate change, it should be tackling the shocking 20% who are now considered to be in fuel poverty in Stroud District (in some local areas that rises to a massive 32%) and of course forecasts show fuel prices are expected to rise significantly and this will impact on all aspects of our local economy and communities.

Hard to treat insulation grant cut

Perhaps one of the most disturbing bits of news on the day before this vote was that the 'hard to treat' insulation side of SDC's WISE Homes grant has fallen victim to budget cuts. This is despite all the hard work to expand and promote the scheme which is key to making homes more sustainable in the future. The renewables part of the WISE Homes scheme will apparently continue as usual but there is no funding for the hard to treat insulation because of reduced funding into the Private Sector Housing Renewal programme. To date SDC funding has topped up regional funding, giving a much larger PSR budget and enabling a more innovative policy. From April 2009 regional funding has been cut and there will be no SDC funding going in either.

This was only £35k funding so it is disturbing to see this important project cut - will we see more of this if the canal goes ahead? Indeed I hope we can reverse this decision but more worrying is that similar vital projects like this will not be possible if all capital money is diverted to the canal.

Free vote

The vote was a free vote and all political parties had their objectors - a handful of Tories did not attend the meeting (two of whom have said in the past they do not support the canal) - I think the final tally at the vote showed 2 Labour, 2 Greens, 2 Lib Dems and 1 Independent against. I abstained. It would have been easy to go with the flow and enthusiasm by some for the project but I have deep reservations that this is not the best way to be spending taxpayers money - indeed more people against the canal than for it have contacted me - equally I can see there are benefits for pursuing this project. I am yet to be convinced by objectors or supporters.

Certainly talking to other councillors I know of at least three who literally made their mind up in the last moments of the vote: I wasn't prepared to do that. Some have called this brave and honest, others cowardly - I leave you to make your mind up if you can!

Green hopes

Greens have said repeatedly that they believe the £20 million cost of the scheme can only be justified if it meets key demands - listed below - we will work to see these become a reality although I fear this is going to be very difficult - particularly as a Green amendment to confirm 30% affordable housing was lost last night.

Key demands:
- 30% of all new housing to be affordable
- No loss of existing jobs and new jobs and training provided
- New buildings to be exemplars of energy efficiency
- Maximum use of energy from water power opportunities
- Provision of new or improved cycle and pedestrian routes along the length of the regeneration area
- Brimscombe Port to be an exciting destination with significant water, imaginative design and multi-purpose community centre
- Canal and river corridor to maximise opportunities for biodiversity and flood management
- Connectivity between the canal and Stroud Town Centre.

Full Council last night

Well here is a rapid round-up of last night at Ebley Mill - especially liked Fi's question re canal - last item below:

Photo: view of Ebley Mill

- we learnt that the stakeholders bid for a local health care social enterprise that had been proposed has been rejected although the Council will appeal (see original proposal here)

- Chris Acock (Neighbourhood Warden in Stroud District) won the national competition for the coveted Encams Wardens Creating Sustainable Communities Award - recognising the dedication and achievement of Neighbourhood Wardens in enhancing community life.

- the Stanleys waste trial focus group won a national award ahead of the Eden Project and big players like B&Q

- Ted Lane, local taxi driver used public questions to query the lack of space for taxis in the town

- a claim has been lodged re monies in Iceland Bank

- it was confirmed again that the Council will look at local and ethical investment - see more here

- the centralisation of community legal services in the County - after listening to the debate in the end there seems little option and deferring to the experts in this matter, I placed trust in the views of Stroud & District CAB who have stated they "are wholeheartedly supportive of council's declared aims." Clearly there are still many concerns like commissioning as opposed to making grants but assurances were given that Stroud will not accept the move if the detail doesn't ensure we keep our local offices and share of funding - difficult times are ahead and it is crucial we get this right so that those in need will have the help there - already such services are stretched yet Stroud has traditionally prioritised this area of help - long may that continue.
- other stuff incl Homelessness strategy, Affordable Housing Supplementary Planning and Frampton on Severn Conservation area - all of which had been discussed previously.

- Green councillor Fi MacMillan used the Members question time to ask about the canal and what return could be expected - she gave the example of the Council's programme of business audits which will release between £45 and £55 of value to local businesses for every £1 invested: money saved in their energy bills - savings will accrue over a 10 year period and directly support small and medium businesses which are at the heart of our local economy - and potentially save 9,000 tonnes of carbon. The answers re carbon savings re the canal were understandably vague - and a 6 to 1 return on investment was expected on money invested - but as Fi pointed out the figures for the project were done in a time of economic growth and when climate change was not seen as such a priority. To me it is becoming increasingly clear that with limited money and rising oil prices and climate change we are not going to have the luxury of spending money on anything that doesn't directly lead to gains like the money invested in the audits - Full Council to discuss the canal will now be at a special meeting to make a decision on 16th December at 7pm - and so far Greens still have most of their questions raised re the canal unanswered.

Updates: Tricorn House, Standish Hospital, Purton Hulks and A46 lorries

Updates on these topics which have been discussed at length previously in this blog (use search engine for items):

Photo: Fungi in Standish woods

Tricorn House - Stroud Life report that owners of Tricorn have been accused of trying to block a rival bid to re-develop it. Wellfair Holdings Ltd has put forward two different ideas for Tricorn House to Stroud District Council – but Dale Vince of Ecotricity, who wants to buy it, says they're not serious and the "building needs knocking down." Stroud District Council (SDC) is still trying to secure a compulsory purchase order (CPO) on the site - a move I fully support. The earliest these new planning applications will be decided is expected to be December.

Standish Hospital - Junior health minister Ben Bradshaw has approved the handover of the Standish Hospital site near Stonehouse, to Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust. It closed in 2004 when the new Gloucestershire Royal Hospital buildings opened. Many of us have been fighting to save it from closure for a long time. In July of this year, the PCT outlined various uses for the site including providing health and social care services, accommodation for older people with a range of disabilities, as well as services for people of all ages. Short term health and social care treatment could be made available, plus care for people between hospital and home.

Purton Hulk's - Paul Barnett has made a one man's crusade to save the ship graveyard on the eastern bank of the River Severn. This collection of ships beached has now been covered by the BBC and will appear in the Spring of 2009 with anchor presenter, Neil Oliver. As regular blog readers will know I have backed Mr Barnett's petition to make the site a listed ancient monument. From 1910, the canal authority beached old vessels to form breakwaters and so save the canal from river erosion. The last vessels to be beached were the motorised barge Severn Falcon and seven ferrous concrete barges in the late 1960s. The Friends of Purton are currently recruiting like-minded people to act as site guides, to conduct an ongoing programme of archaeological surveys and participate in forthcoming research programmed for 2009. For details on this or the petition call Mr Barnett on 07833 143 231 or email barnadillo@aol.com

Lorries and A46 - Heavy lorries are set to be banned from using some Cotswold villages as shortcuts as reported before in this blog. Gloucestershire County Council now looks set to approve a measure designed to stop lorries weighing more than 7.5 tonnes from being driven through many villages, except for deliveries. The lorry management zone is set to be brought in at the end of the year and lorries over 7.5t will be banned from using the A46 between Stroud and Brockworth, the A4173 between Pitchcombe and Brookthorpe, the B4008 between Stonehouse and Hardwicke, and the A435 between Seven Springs and Cirencester, as short cuts. This means an extra 34 lorries a day are expected to use the Air Balloon junction and Nettleton Bottom on the A417, with 162 more on the A419 at Stonehouse and an extra 68 at Stroud. The report to the committee stated the maximum increase in CO2 emissions would be 0.5% - however a point I made before is that if you reduce lorries you can increase cycling and walking which will hopefully even out any rises in CO2 that are forecast.

Greens talk regeneration

County Green party members met yesterday evening at St Marks Hall, Cheltenham to hear a presentation on a Green approach to Regeneration from Stroud-based green economist Molly Scott-Cato. See news release here.

Photos: Gloucester developments

The presentation was followed by a discussion on projects like Cheltenham's Civic Pride, Stroud's canal project and Gloucester's 'Magnificent Seven', the name given to seven key development sites.

In the light of the Full Council re the canal last week this was a very useful discussion - what will benefits be and are they the ones we should be focusing on? More on regeneration approaches coming soon as I have been working on thoughts with others and this evening have a hundred and one emails to answer - indeed will miss Transition Drinks at the Albert tonight...

Canal vote: millstone or flagship?

Last night was the fullest public gallery I have seen in Stroud District Council's chamber - 70 or 80 members of the public turned out to the 'Extraordinary Full Council Meeting' looking at the canal. The motion to support the next step of the canal was voted through with 3 abstentions and 3 no's. I was one of the abstentions and I would like to say a little more about that here.....excuse the hurried notes but have been at work and am rushing out now...

Firstly Thrupp Councillor Martin Whiteside, summarised the Green group's views ahead of the meeting - he said: "Canal regeneration could bring great benefits to the District, but it depends on the detail; when Councillors vote to spend Council Taxpayers money on canal regeneration we must be told what we will be getting for the money - will some of the housing be affordable? Will jobs will be lost or gained? Will the housing numbers in Brimscombe Port be excessive? Will it cause more traffic? How much water will be put back into the Port? How will it benefit the traders in Stroud Town Centre? These are not details to be worked out later - they are vital factors in our decision making."

Sarah Lunnon, Leader of the Green party District Council also noted: "This canal project remains an exciting opportunity for Stroud District, but Greens have concerns about the growing risks and the benefits it will bring. We have a number of key issues where we have so far been unable to get guarantees or even an understanding of the hoped for benefits. Rising oil prices and falling house prices will, for example, impact on this project's costing yet we have not seen the analysis. We will be seeking reassurances at Thursday's meeting to the series of questions we have raised."

Last week the Green group met to discuss the canal. It was a lengthy discussion and led to scribblings on Sunday and then to the production of the paper enclosed below which went to all councillors at the beginning of this week. These points are in addition to those raised by the Council's paper - that covers additional concerns about legal and financial considerations.

This is not the first time we have made such comments and over the last months I have had a growing frustration that we have not had answers - of course answers cannot come to all the points raised but I fail to see how we can vote on a project without such information. The Green group made many of these comments during the evening and more. Of course I welcome the fact that no decision to support the project can be made without returning the decision to Full Council. Indeed in many ways we have to wonder about this vote's importance - it is about saying we will go forward and agree to take over the bid money that was going to go to British Waterways - clearly those folk want to see united support but it is not the final decision.

Greens at the Council were by no means alone in their concerns - councillors of all colours raised concerns - the majority wanted to see the project go forward but some sounded a little carried away with the 'glory' or 'ego' of the project...I hope (and am sure) the handful of abstentions, nos and comments raised by all, mean that the questions raised will be taken seriously - indeed if we do not have answers to questions when it returns to Council then I will not be able to vote for it.

This is a potentially an exciting flagship project - there is no question about that! It is important to be prepared to take risks in order to deliver real benefits, but as I've said already I do not consider that councillors have had the information needed to make a decision on this project. It could turn into a seriously heavy millstone if we are not careful. Which other projects for example will suffer if funding is targeted at the canal? Will we see further delays on improvements to waste collection? Can we afford to be diverted from focusing on tackling climate change, peak oil and it's impacts like fuel poverty? There are still no satisfactory answers about who is responsible for the costly maintenance of such a project? Or what impact rising fuel prices will have on construction?

The Environment Agency report of 10 March 2008 said ‘It should also be noted that there is no guarantee that full restoration to Lechlade is sustainable, desirable or possible.’ Are the expected benefits still likely if we end up with a 6 mile landlocked waterway - or pond as some have said? The Environment Agency also apparently say that along the canal corridor SDC plans for minimizing flooding, and for improving water quality for aquatic wildlife, and improving the environment generally other wildlife – as well as people – falls well below expectations. Is this right? Why? Etc etc.

Apols this is a bit of a ramble - and many more questions - anyhow here is that briefing - I would also welcome others thoughts on this...

Canal Regeneration Realism
- a brief report by the Green Group of District councillors

Introduction

The canal regeneration provides a tremendous opportunity for bringing social, environmental and economic benefits to Stroud District. Council officers and the administration deserve credit for keeping this project alive in the face of severe set-backs. It is also important to be prepared to take risks in order to deliver real benefits, and so the Green Group supports the principle of ‘canal regeneration’.

The benefits accruing from canal regeneration will depend on whether key outcomes are achieved, such as high quality development, provision of affordable housing, a suitable balance of housing and employment land allocation, connectivity to Stroud and Stonehouse town centres, biodiversity enhancement, a high quality multi-user trail etc. Depending on these issues, regeneration could deliver significant benefits, minimal benefit or indeed a detrimental impact overall given the financial risk and ongoing maintenance liabilities.

Clearly difficult decisions will have to be made, and these have been made more difficult by the funding shortfall for Phase 1B, the downturn in the property market and the inflationary effect of global oil prices on the construction industry.

Tameside have provided an independent verification on the cost side of the project. However there has not been a similar verification of the benefit side of the equation – particularly in relation to a regenerated canal that is either landlocked or a spur of the national network. Tameside (6.3.2) notes that “Some of the anticipated outputs/outcomes seem very specific and very ambitious”

Moreover the financial calculations include figures for ‘Development Land Receipts’. We presume that these estimates have been made in relation to some assumptions in relation to the final use of the land, however it is not clear what these assumptions are[1].

Greens believe that Councillors and the public should ‘know what they are getting’ before committing Council Taxpayers money to this project. Although a lot of work has been undertaken on this project by SDC there is little information readily available in the members room, for example GCC proposals for the A46 roundabout or the results of any consultation already undertaken (Capel Mill). This should include transparency over the assumptions made in the calculations for the development receipts.

Key questions

1. What mooring facilities at Wallbridge and connectivity to Stroud and Stonehouse Town Centre have been included in the cost estimate.

2. What standard of multi-user trail has been included?

3. Given that SDC has disagreed with BW’s cost estimates, has it done an independent check on BW’s benefit estimates[2]? Does it know what allowances have been made for a landlocked or a spur canal in the estimation of benefits[3]?

4. It is noted that the project construction costs were calculated in 2005 at £13,900,000, with £4,500,000 allowed for inflation. Have these inflation calculations been revisited since the beginning of 2008 to take into account the new volatility of global oil prices, and the current economic climate?

5. What if it takes 10 years to reach Saul Junction, will SDC be liable for maintenance of the restored 6 mile stretch (Brimscombe to Ocean). Flooding at the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal has left BWB with a £15M repair bill.

In relation to assumptions made in estimating the £7.567 million Development Land Receipts budgeted for Brimscombe Port[4]:

1. What area of land currently allocated for employment has been assumed to be converted to housing? How many housing units is this likely to represent?

2. What area of land within the Brimscombe AAP has been assumed to remain as employment? How many jobs is this likely to represent? How does this compare with the existing number on jobs on these sites? Is this balance in accordance with the Regional Spatial Strategy?

3. What percentage of affordable housing was included in the land value assumptions?

4. Were any additional[5] energy efficiency standards included in the land value assumptions?

5. What % of the original water area in Brimscombe Port was this value calculated on?

6. What allowance has been made for the recent downturn in property values in the receipt estimates?

Green Party District Councillors 3.6.2008

Notes:

[1] We note however that Tameside expressed concern over whether the ‘higher value’ uses (mainly residential) may currently fall below the required £1.170 million per acre (Tameside Report para 8.4.2)
[2] According to the Partnership website by 2014 the restoration of the Stroudwater Navigation between Stonehouse and Brimscombe Port will:
· Attract 215,000 extra visitors to the area each year (that is 580 per day).
· Create 21 new permanent jobs in tourism
· Generate £531,000 of additional income from visitors in the local economy each year
· Create 13,800m2 of new work space
· Attract £83 million in private sector investment
· Create 600 new permanent jobs in the private sector
· Conserve 30 historic structures, including bridges and locks
· Help protect rare species including bats, water vole and native crayfish
· Create a 10 mile multi-user trail, enabling all members of the community to benefit from this project
[3] The source material for many of these estimates seem to be from fully connected canals.
[4] Council Papers for 5 June Meeting , Appendix 2, p13.
[5] Additional to the current legal minimum and perhaps in line with the aspirations of the District’s Environmental Strategy.

Sad Stroudwater Degeneration

Apparently local TV news this week covered the story of the local stagnant canal waters.

Photo: Frome with trolley a while back

Basically British Waterways have control over the river which in turn feeds the canal. This has been managed for the past twenty five years pretty successfully with none of the present day disasters. Now we have seen several incidents and indeed also problems with sluice gates at Ryeford. Here is my quick letter to British Waterways and Environment Agency:

I have been very concerned to read that again that stagnant waters in the canal have led to the death of young swans and fish in the Stroudwater Navigation at Ryeford, near Stonehouse. It was only last year many fish were lost and a year or so before that there was another incident. This would seem to be wholly unacceptable and it is no wonder that several local residents have contacted me concerned about this matter. Please can you let me know what measures are being put in place to ensure this does not happen again. I would also welcome the Environment Agencies view on what appears to be a repeat of the problems. Many thanks, Cllr. Philip Booth

Full Council, canal and industrial heritage consultation

The lack of blog entries this week is no reflection on activity! Indeed I was planning to catch up yesterday morning but a powercut stopped me then this morning and late last night my broadband was playing up - anyhow I am here now...the brook meeting on Tuesday night I will report in another blog, but I can report on a consultation meeting re the industrial heritage area proposals (see more below) and of course last night's Full Council meeting...

Photo: canal, Brimscombe

The Full Council was the AGM and saw new councillors officially welcomed - including Fi Macmillan as our sixth Green. I have to say it was not the friendliest of meetings - the SDC website will have the webcast available soon but I don't recommend!

Indeed AGM's never seem to be that great - this one was no exception with various comments being thrown across the floor. However in terms of the Green party I have to say I was delighted we managed to secure all the seats we were seeking - we now have two on Development Control when originally we were only being offered one, plus three on the two Scrutiny Panels - I am on the same as last year - this is great as it will mean I can continue to push through projects already started. Plus seats on all the other usuals like Housing Management, Planning Strategy, Licensing, Standards etc.

Not much else got discussed - one of the shortest meetings ever - we started after our political group meetings at 7 and were away by 8.40pm when often we can be there much, much later....

As we left we were handed hot of the press (and meant to be available today on SDC website - haven't checked yet) the consultant's report into the Cotswold Canal Regeneration Phase 1a. I have only read half so far but have to note that I do have concerns re this project: the loss of British Waterways and their funds was a major blow. We have to be clear about the benefits and why we are still going ahead - more in future posts on this one - indeed there is a Council meeting coming up next month devoted just to the canal.

Anyhow linked to how the canal will be developed is the Industrial Heritage Conservation Area consultation which I mentioned earlier - it is for a Supplementary Planning Document which was published on Wednesday 7th May for six weeks public consultation. There was a display of the plans at Ebley Mill and I was surprised to find myself as the only person interested in viewing them there - perhaps not advertsied well or perhaps folk are seeing it at some of the other venues?

Anyhow Volume 4 is the key one and contains a draft Supplementary Planning Document, which will form part of the Local Development Framework for Stroud District ie it will directly guide future planning decisions. The Industrial Heritage Conservation Area (IHCA) is thought to be among Europe’s largest conservation areas (it has an area of over 600 hectares, and stretches more than 14 miles along the canals corridor, west to east from Saul to Daneway, and almost 4 ½ miles down the Nailsworth Valley to Longfords Mill). In addition to the IHCA, the study area for this conservation area review takes in seven other conservation areas: Dunkirk & Watledge, Ebley Mills, Lodgemore & Fromehall, Longfords Mills, Stanley Mills, St Mary’s & Belvedere and Stroud Station. It also affects small parts of three other conservation areas: South Woodchester, Chalford Vale and Nailsworth.

The IHCA was designated in 1987 and has never before undergone formal character appraisal or conservation area review, although it has been extended at several points in the past. This review consists of, and I quote:

· An appraisal of the character and special architectural and historic interest of the affected conservation areas. This is contained within volumes 1-3 of the conservation area statement. · A boundary review (this is contained in volume 1). 67 amendments are proposed, some of which are extremely minor. The most significant proposed changes involve extensions at Framilode and at Watledge (Nailsworth). · The identification of issues and pressures that are affecting the conservation area(s). · The formulation of policy and design guidance to address issues and pressures and to preserve or enhance the conservation area’s character and appearance. Part of the Management Proposals SPD consists of a Design Framework, which aims to provide specific design advice for residents, developers and planning decision-makers. This partially comes out of a Heritage Lottery Fund requirement for improved design guidance in the canals corridor, which was a condition of funding for the Cotswold Canals restoration. The design guidance has been broadened out to be useful to the whole conservation area, rather than just the canals corridor.

The draft SPD was approved for the purposes of public consultation at the Cabinet meeting of 31st January 2008. The draft Character Appraisal will be approved for public consultation by the Cabinet member for Planning and Licensing and the Strategic Head of Development Services. Estimated date for adoption of SPD: 6th November 2008. The final draft of the Conservation Area Statement (Conservation Area Management Proposals SPD and three volumes of Character Appraisal) will be considered for adoption by Cabinet on 2nd October and finally by Council on 6th November. From Wednesday 7th May copies of the SPD and the SA are available for inspection at the Customer Service Centre, SDC Council Offices, Ebley Mill, Stroud, Glos, GL5 4UB, during normal office hours, Monday to Thursday 8.45 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. and Friday 8.45 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Copies are also available to view at: • Minchinhampton, Nailsworth, Stroud and Stonehouse Public libraries • Parish and Town Council offices at Stroud, Stonehouse, Nailsworth, Cainscross, Chalford, Rodborough and Minchinhampton, • Paper copies are also being sent to all town and parish councils along the IHCA study area and may be available to view by arrangement with the parish/town clerk. • Council’s website at www.stroud.gov.uk/ihca Consultation events (6-9pm), to which any interested stakeholders and members of the public are openly invited, have been arranged for several dates during the six week consultation period, at venues in each of the three conservation area legs (east of Stroud, south of Stroud and west of Stroud). Remaining events: Mortimer Rooms, Nailsworth Monday 19th May; Thrupp Social Centre Tuesday 20th May; St Peters Church, Framilode Wednesday 21st May. Representations about the SPD, Conservation Area Character Appraisal and/or the Sustainability Appraisal should be received between Wednesday 7th May and 5 pm Wednesday 18th June 2008 addressed to: Planning Strategy, Stroud District Council, Ebley Mill, Westward Road, Stroud, Glos. GL5 4UB. Representations can be made on one of the official response forms available from all the places listed above or by using the interactive system on the Council’s website.

This proposal is important and will I hope provide some protection of economic areas within the valleys - too often there are pushes to develop residential sites in the old mills but we must keep economic areas local - already our area sees too much commuting out. Anyhow more later - tea time!