Death, Cake, Events

Here’s the current list of things we know about that are happening in the near future.  Where relevant, we’re also listing events a bit further afield that you might be interested in, too. These are local events that are (unless it says otherwise in the listing) run by assorted local groups – these are all independent of the Green Party.

If you are aware of other talks, events, workshops or other community activities in the coming week or so, please do mention them in the comments. If there’s an event you would like our support in promoting, please email the details to brynnethnimue (at) gmail (dot) com.

There will be a meeting this coming Wednesday 2nd July organised by a group called
"Frack Free Five Valleys", entitled "Fight Fracking".  There will be a talk,
film and discussion on this important issue.

The event is at the Friends Meeting House, Chestnut Hill, Nailsworth GL6
OL6 on Wednesday 2nd July, 7:30. Please come along if you can.

‘The Village That Changed the World’ Dan Hancox Yellow Lighted Bookshop, Tetbury, Thursday 3rd July, 7pm. Tickets - £5.00 (gives you £3 off the book)

Journalist Dan Hancox tells the story of Marinaleda, a village living out the ideals of solidarity and autonomy in a remote corner of Andalusian Spain. Described by Camus as "the native land of the rebel", Andalusia has been inclined to banditry, anarchist politics, and a fierce hostility to the central government. Now it has given birth to a small utopia, in a rural community of some 2,700 people.

Dan will be talking about how the village achieved what it has, how it adapted to the economic disaster that is modern Spain, and where (and whether), they can take their revolution forwards.

Tickets in advance from our bookshops in Tetbury & Nailsworth

01666-500221 or 01453-832555

www.yellow-lightedbookshop.co.uk

twitter: @ylbookshop

facebook.com/yellowlightedbookshop

11th July Kings Stanley market, held in the Village Hall on the 2nd Friday of the month throughout the summer between 3pm and 6.30pm (except August) the last one will be the 12th September. There is a mix of local produce, including Popes sausages, Godsells cheese, Days cider, Stroud brewery, bread, cakes, honey, plants etc, also a variety of craft stalls, books, bric-a-brac, memorabilia and collectables. There is also a community table where anyone can sell plants, fruit and veg with no upfront fees. The playgroup organise a cafe with drinks, cakes and ice-creams.

This is the second year we have been organising the market and it has been very popular. We usually have about 28 stalls and it is generally well attended.

11^th July The ultimate punch line!

How will your death fit into the story of your life? How do you want to be remembered? Join author ofIntelligent Designing for Amateurs, Nimue Brown and gothic artist Tom Brown to consider last words, epitaphs, obituaries and punch lines. There will be cake, and comedy, alongside the morbidity. This is part of Stroud’s ‘Clocking Off’ festival.

11^th July, Black Books Cafe, Stroud, Gloucestershire £2.50 on the door

12^th July – Clocking Off Festival, Stroud’s first festival dedicated to death. http://www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk/event_view.asp?pid=12&pgid=&eid=9495 because it is in understanding death that we come to appreciate life.

You are invited to take a look at plastics recycling, here in Stroud Venue:  BPI Recycled Products, Bath Road Trading Estate, Stroud Date 10th July, Time 11am Date:   15th July, Time: 7pm

Stroud Valleys Project is Stroud’s local “green space guardian”. As well as protecting, caring for and nurturing Stroud’s local green spaces we champion the sustainability of our local environment and support recycling of all kinds. We would like to invite a select number of guests to come on a tour of the Stroud plant and see local plastics recycling in action. We hope you would like to join us and take part in this rare opportunity. Places are limited and whilst there is no cost involved we invite you to make a donation to our recycling bucket on the day.

Local company, British Polythene Industries or BPI, enjoys an enviable reputation as the leader in the field of polyethylene recycling. BPI is a leading manufacturer and supplier of polythene film (and other products) and they have a manufacturing plant, here, in Stroud on the Bath Road Industrial Estate. The Stroud plant is one of BPI’s four UK manufacturing sites.

BPI is the largest recycler of polyethylene in Europe with the ability to reprocess in excess of 80,000 tonnes each year of post-use material from commercial, retail, industrial and agricultural markets across its Environmental Agency Accredited Sites. Its major products include refuse sacks, recycling sacks, construction membranes, Plaswood street furniture and gas protection membranes.

BPI tell us that their remit includes the promotion of the re-use, recycling and recovery of materials; to improve the environmental performance of their processes by reducing emissions and energy use and to minimise waste, as well as controlling noise and being a responsible and good neighbour. They are also committed to the development of new products and processes using recycled materials and to supporting initiatives which benefit the environment.

We think this will be a fascinating tour of the plant where visitors will gain, first-hand, an insight into the re-use and repurposing of a day-to-day material. We hope you will be able to join us.

To reserve your place or find out more about this visit to BPI, please contact Julie Wickham at Stroud Valleys Project on 01453 753358  or email info@stroudvalleysproject.org

P.S. As well as putting money in our collection box, you can now donate by text.              

        Just text RSVP14 followed by the £ sign and the amount you wish to donate. (i.e. £10).

Musical Memories

Marianne Lihannah is returning to sing in the “Your Musical Memories”concert at Stroud’s Subscription Rooms at 2.30pm on Thursday, July 17th. She sung her diploma programme during the “Your Musical Memories” concert in February and since then has passed her Trinity College London diploma exam in ‘Singing’ with very good marks. She has also been been performing as a ‘Wedding Singer’ and ‘Funeral Singer’ at various prestigious locations; such as Hampton Court Castle and Brecon Cathedral., as well as many wonderful churches and hotels across England and Wales. When Marianne isn’t singing for weddings and funerals, she is busy giving singing lessons to people and children of all ages and abilities. On Thursday, July 17th she will be singing, among other favourite works,, “Amazing Grace”, the beautiful “Nisi Dominus” by Vivaldi and Schubert’s “Ave Maria”. Also on Thursday, July 17th you will be able to hear James Watson, our local and renowned classical guitarist, a dazzling virtuoso player who always delights his audiences not just by the music he plays but by his extraordinary and formidable technique. Trevor T. Smith your regular host and pianist will be on hand to play Schubert’s lovely Impromptu in G flat major. So come to Stroud’s Subscription Rooms on the afternoon of Thursday, July 17th and give your ears a real treat. Tickets are only £5.00 (which includes refreshments) and can be booked at the Subscription Rooms’ Box Office, telephone number 01453 760900. (When booking, please mention if you use a wheelchair as the number of wheelchairs allowed in the Ballroom are restricted due to fire regulations.)

Songs of Change – meets on Tuesday nights at Paganhill Maypole Village Hall. We are led by Sophie Sterckx (formerly “Greatorex”). This is an open group drawing on songs from about peace, the earth, equality, etc. 

History of St Pauls, Whiteshill still available

I have only just got around to reading the great little booklet "History of St Paul's Church, Whiteshill and The Church of the Holy Spirit, Paganhill" by Keith Davitte and the Whiteshill Parochial Church Council. It is full of info about the church and also shocking stories like the murder in Arlingham in 1873 of Amelia from Stokenhill Farm, Whiteshill. The book is still available free to local people from the Paganhill Post Office, Village Shop and a few other places.

Bits and bobs: grit bin, convent mirror, Stroud Pound, pasties and Paganhill hall

Brook report published - Ismaila's report on the Ruscombe Brook has been made available on Amazon... but as one person commented according to the picture on the cover of report, Ruscombe Valley is now headed by a mountain similar to the Matterhorn ... perhaps its only a metaphor for what we have to climb with local authorities. See Amazon here.

Ismaila (Photo left of Ismaila with other RBAG member)did his MSc with Water 21 and support from Ruscombe Brook Action Group in 2007 and his water sampling showed that between June and September water quality remained fairly good although deteriorated down the length of the brook - there were no sewage incidents during that time - looking at the silt along the brook - again this got worse as he got down the brook although the worst point was at Puckshole with lots of nasty faecal contamination. Ismaila was the first student - since then we've had several with Water 21 and more this summer - possibly working on Ruscombe Brook. Water 21 website also has lots about Ismaila's report.

Local woodfuel project - this is still progressing but we are awaiting a meeting with National Trust - see more here.

Ruscombe Road grit bin over again (see pic) - well I have refilled this grit bin on at least three occasions. Each time it is tipped over the salt grit gets into the local brook. Last year it was tipped over at least 4 times. The bin is at a crucial site so is much needed but it needs to either be sunk lower in the ground to stop people pushing it over or replaced with something better. I have requested this on various occasions - well last week my email prompted quick action and a contractor dug it into the ground - however it was over again in under 24 hours - I am informed today that it will be moved back and sunk in again - a notice needs to be posted so it will take a few days.

Bread Street grit bin - I have requested a bin on the slope of Ruscombe Road going up to Bread Street be moved further up the hill - perhaps to close by the Bread Street sign. This was an area that needed grit and used to have a bin. I know there was a complaint about a bin getting tipped into a householders garden but the Bread Street sign is far enough away to reduce the likelihood of this occurring again.

Convent mirror - well the mirror on this corner has disappeared - rumour has it it was used by sledgers during the last snow - anyhow we are unable to erect a new mirror at this location without the permission from the DfT - and Highways have said that this approval would not be forthcoming partly due to the speed limit. Highways were to look at possible road markings and come back to us - well I don't recall them coming back to us but new white lines have appeared - the mirror post remains with nothing on it! This seems a great pity - but as local folk will know it has been vandalised or stolen on many occasions previously - see blog here.

Stroud Pound update - I just got a bundle of Stroud notes today as my original lot had run out - there is now over £4,000 in our pockets, wallets and purses and over 35 local traders and businesses involved. For a full list of participating traders see: www.stroudpound.org.uk Recent joiners include Silverthorn (Nelson Street), Lansdown Pottery, Five Valleys Cordial (farmers market), Helyn Morris Chiropractor, Tobacconist Farm (Minch), Dennis Gould (Shambles market) and the exotically named Rupert Burdock's Wild Food Empire (Shambles market)! The winter opening hours of the Saturday morning 'office' at Stroud Valley Project, Threadneedle Street will be 11 till 1 every Saturday morning. Drop by for exchange, information, advice and chat. The most central exchange point in Stroud is Kanes in Kendrick Street. Other exchange points are Stroud Uplands PO, Minchinhampton and Stonehouse PO and Green Spirit, Nailsworth (check website).

Paganhill Maypole Village Hall - has just got two major grants. As regular blog readers will know I am a Leader with the Woodcraft Folk - the new Pioneers group now meets in this hall. Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, which raises money from landfill operations, has pledged £20,000 to help repair and upgrade the facility in Stratford Road. Stroud District Council has also donated £8,950 to improve the outside of the hall from its village halls and community buildings grant scheme. Volunteers are now set to start phase two of the £90,000, four-phase project within the next six weeks. The hall opened in 1962 has already seen last year the installation of cavity wall insulation, loft insulation and a new heating system. The latest work includes new toilets, modernising the electric system, installing efficient lighting, the lead water pipes replaced, disability access improvements, the leaking roof will be repaired and new railings will be put in place outside. The main work will last about four to five weeks. Donate to the appeal by leaving a cheque payable to ‘Paganhill Maypole Hall’ for the care of treasurer Martin Kavanagh at Paganhill Post Office. To book the hall, call Janine Bagouin on 07749 799538.

Stroud Pasty Co - just wanted to add congrats as they have won the contract to produce exclusive Gloucester Cathedral 'Pilgrim's Pie' - a hogget lamb, onion, garlic, white beans, herbs and honey-roasted carrot pie, made entirely from produce grown and reared on their farm in the Slad Valley. Drawing inspiration from the largely non meat-eating Benedictine Monks who once lived in the cathedral, their vegetarian ‘Monk’s Pie’ proved just as popular with its filling of white beans, onions, spinach, nettles, fresh herbs and Single Gloucester cheese. Both pies, which will be available to sample from May, are triangular in shape to represent the Holy Trinity and are enclosed in golden pastry made from Tetbury-based Shipton Mill flour and butter from Netherend Farm in the Forest of Dean.

Stroud for Food - the official 2010 Cotswolds Visitor Guide is out - a key feature of the publication is the exclusive village-by-village guide with distinctive symbols pointing visitors in the direction of pubs, restaurants, farmers' markets, shops and tourist information The content includes information about events and activities, hot dates in the Cotswolds and 'Top 10 Foodie Experiences'. Four out of the ten 'Foodie Experiences' are in the Stroud district. Woodruff's Organic Cafe (Stroud), St Michael's Restaurant and B and B (Painswick), Stroud's award-winning farmers' market and the Stroud Food and Drink Festival (3rd - 19th September 2010) are all mentioned. The Cotswolds' title as 'Britain's Rural Capital of Culture' is also explained: festivals, arts events, cultural happenings and galleries tucked away in even the smallest towns combine with some top class sport, and an amazing local food and market culture to make this one of Britain's most surprisingly vibrant places to visit.

Are our Post Offices under threat?

I'll come to the possible threat in a mo, but first want to mention that there is a chance to have your say on the Post Office banking proposals - as long as you get it in by February 24th.

I did the online form last week - but have been incensed by some of Mandelson's comments when he says "The post office is at the heart of every community". Tell that to all the residents in Gloucestershire who have seen their post offices close. 3,000 post offices have shut over the past three years and thousands more have been axed since Labour came to power in 1997. Stroud was of course the second town to save a post office - see here.

We also heard that the prime minister feels that it may be useful for the post office to expand its services to include a form of banking and other financial services!!! What are they talking about???! Isn't this what they put a spanner in the works over years ago?

Indeed already there is strong criticism that a non-UK bank, Bank of Ireland, has already been selected to operate the accounts. The Federation of Sub-Postmasters wants a Government-owned account provider, rather than a private, commercial company. Good for them - indeed aren't there lots of opportunities now with Northern Rock to create a fully fledged Postbank? Why should the profits go abroad??

At the New Economics Foundation they note (see here): "The consultation is really worrying on two counts. The main one is that these mouse-like developments – in fact any self-respecting mouse would have a bolder vision than this – don't tackle the neglect and the lack of government support from which the Post Office has suffered for decades. A third of sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses have seen their revenues decline in the last year. This is just not sustainable. The government has recognised today that the Post Office is a great British institution but it needs to treat it like one.

That means that it doesn't need this consultation (reporting cunningly just before the election, when the long grass will be even longer) but it does need to follow the excellent advice of the BIS select committee report last July – on, yes, the future of the Post Office. Having massively consulted, it concluded that financial services should be expanded and that, crucially, the government must put its business through post offices and recognise the Post Office's potential as an unparalleled social, community and economic network."

Mandelson's department needs to be more radical, more profoundly committed to strengthening the Post Office, more committed to helping small businesses have the financial advice and help they need, than is allowed for by these virtuous proposals. Consulting us on a Post Bank, on using Northern Rock, on making the Post Office the public alternative to our present dreadful banking system – now that would be worth consulting on."

So officially why is there a consultation? The Government is proposing to expand the range of financial services at Post Offices in order to generate additional revenue to help maintain a more secure and sustainable Post Office network. The proposals will also address the uneven distribution of financial services currently, which can lead to those living in rural and deprived urban areas having reduced or no access to such services locally. See here comments a year ago on this.

How can I respond? There is a 6 question response form on the Department for Business Innovation and Skills website. Please do submit a response even if you do not wish to answer all 6 questions as the more representations made, the louder the voice of Gloucestershire's communities. Go to: www.berr.gov.uk/consultations/page53848.html

Are our Post Offices under threat?

I've taken the liberty of adapting some of this from an Officers email from Stroud District Council....After the Post Office ‘National Network Change programme’ in 2008, we were assured that all branches that survived closure would be protected under the Governments commitment until 2011.

Photo: PO on Cainscross roundabout opposite Tricorn House

This meant that if a branch faced difficulties such as with its branch management or premises, then Post Office Ltd would do what they could to find an alternative solution to Post Office provision in that area.

However recently we have seen a couple of local Post Offices in the Stroud District struggle to remain viable for various reasons and there have been a couple of temporary closures. True to their word, Post Office Ltd has worked to find alternative solutions; some have been successful and some are pending further agreement. Profit levels at most individual branches nationally are at best marginal with many operating at a loss, being very heavily subsidised by Post Office Ltd and the Government with an annual network subsidy payment of £150 million being made.

‘2011’ sounded a long way off, but now it is just around the corner. We cannot predict what the impact on the network subsidy payment will be, but thinking on the cautious side, we may in a year or so’s time be looking at another ‘National Network Change’ (closure) programme. Should this be the case, it would be wise for our communities in the Stroud District to be proactively looking at what can be done now to ensure their local branch clearly is not on the marginal or loss making hit list.

I've already raised this issue with Parish Councils who are looking at whether to raise with subpostmasters. In my view we could still be doing more to support our local POs - I've asked if the Warbler can encourage folk to use our local PO near the Tesco Express. What other thoughts do folk have??

See previous post office blogs by clicking on label - like letter re privatisation here, march in Stroud here and indeed lots more re Paganhill PO and the closure of Whiteshill PO.

Stroud is second town to save a Post Office

The twists and turns of this story are many and I have been about to start a blog several times to update folk but now here at least is the good news - and I have to applaud particularly the massive amounts of hard work of folk like Andy Reed, John Marjoram, Mary Davies, David Drew, Robin Craig and indeed many others for this huge success. It is a really huge, huge achievement of which we can all be proud.

The message from the Town was clear: we want our post office saved. Against all the odds here is a victory - below is a draft press release based on the Town Council's release which I hope to get out to national papers and hopefully inspire the many other communities fighting to save their POs.

Reopening heralds a possible blueprint for other rural post offices fighting to stay open

Campaigners have won an against-all-the-odds victory, after it was confirmed that Stroud has become only the second place in Britain to save its Post Office. Stroud Town Council, which has a majority of Green party councillors, has confirmed that a groundbreaking deal has been done to reopen Uplands Post Office within the next three weeks.

It took a high court injunction, a 73-year-old grandmother, a massive outcry and big town centre demonstration, and lots of hard work and patience by the Town council, but an agreement has now been reached and Stroud Town Council have confirmed that the Uplands post office is to re-open in 3 weeks time.

Uplands Postmaster Robin Craig was forced in August to close his busy shop which had been trading for more than a century. The profitable facility was one of 26 in Gloucestershire to shut as part of the government’s controversial Network Change programme. Around 2,500 Post Offices will be lost across the country by the year end. However, ever since Uplands was first targeted in February, civic leaders have promised to do everything possible to safeguard the service. The shop lies in a part of the town with a high percentage of elderly and disabled residents.

At first, postal chiefs refused to even discuss a rescue plan, insisting Uplands had to close. Then in July local grandmother Mary Davies (73) challenged the decision. Just five minutes before the shop was due to close forever her lawyers won a last-minute stay of execution in London’s High Court (see photo). This prompted Post Office chief executive Alan Cook to intervene, and allow talks with the town council to take place. The shop did close temporarily, but after four months of secret negotiations councillors on Monday 20th October confirmed that the necessary contracts and funding are now in place to enable Uplands Post Office to reopen.

Only one office previously earmarked for closure has so far been saved in the UK. Station Way Post Office in Essex reopened for business last month. However its counter was part of a larger convenience store. Uplands is the only stand-alone Post Office to be saved and the only one secured thanks to the intervention of a town council.

Stroud Mayor John Marjoram (Green party) said securing a future for Uplands was probably the toughest battle he had faced in more than 22 years as a local councillor. He said: "From the start we believed this was a cause worth fighting for, but it often seemed like mission impossible. Every time we won an argument, the question was changed. There were times when I almost gave up hope. People told us we were wasting our time, as closure was a foregone conclusion. But this proves that if you believe in something you must never give in.’

John Marjoram, who has been Town Mayor for over 8 years, said: "The value of a Post Office to a community cannot be calculated on a purely profit-and-loss basis. They are an invaluable part of our social infrastructure, particularly to the most vulnerable residents. For a small council like ours to take over this service is not an easy option and it’s not a cheap option. But we believe it is the right option if we want to maintain Stroud’s great sense of community."

The Town Council will be providing around £10,000 of funding for the service this year and up to £25,000 for the next two years.

Postmaster Robin Craig said he has been overwhelmed by the support from customers: "People have not stopped asking me when we are going to reopen and how strongly they support our efforts to save it."

Mr Craig who has run Uplands for nine years, also runs one of the two other Post Offices left in the town. The Paganhill branch was saved by the community two years ago. He said: "This is a truly ground-breaking and hugely significant development,’ he said. ‘We now have a blueprint which councils across Britain can use to save their Post Offices. I am very proud that we’ve managed to do it and can’t wait to get behind the counter again."

A shop refit and a new computer system is being installed as part of the new contract. Work is scheduled to finish in around two weeks time, when a date for an official opening ceremony will be announced.

Deputy Mayor Andy Read (Independent) said: "This has been achieved by the joint efforts of so many local people. It is an achievement that Stroud should be really proud of. A big thankyou to all those who campaigned in the early stages, wrote letters and organised the demos. Everyone who supported our efforts with their encouraging words in the street and by email. To the Postmaster Robin Craig for his determination and belief. To our town council staff for their hard work behind the scenes. To Mary Davies and her legal team for making a stand in the courts. To our MP David Drew for applying constant pressure through Parliament, and to Essex County Council who really paved the way for such re-openings and whose staff readily gave us some vital assistance and advice."

Over 100 march for Post Offices: is Paganhill PO also at risk?

Padre Brian (Randwick and Whiteshill churches) on Saturday led well over a 100 people marching from the top of Stroud High Street around the town to finish at the Sub Rooms for speeches - all political parties spoke about the need to retain these post offices.

Photo: March - sadly my camera expired again so no more pics than this one!

John Marjoram was particularly eloquent when it came to talk of the bonuses of those cutting the post offices will receive if they make their target - sick - do they really have so little understanding of climate change, peak oil and the vulnerable users of POs?

The next date for diaries is Wednesday the 26th March at 9am there is going to be a demo outside County Hall - when the the County Council will be discussing Post Offices - whether to follow the Essex Model (see earlier blogs).

I have also just seen the submission by Stroud Town Council which has investigated the grounds for closure provided by Post Office Limited in its Branch Access Report for Uplands. The report by Cllr Andy Reed is an excellent summary of the issues and makes what should be a full-proof case against closure - particularly as it has also judged the proposed closure against the government's published access criteria.

The access criteria aims to avoid undue hardship for individuals. In addition to setting distance criteria for access in urban and rural areas, the government has stated that Post Office Ltd has to "Consider the availability of public transport and alternative access to key services, local demographics and the impact on local communities."

Here below is some of the Town Council's 5000 word report - point 10 will be of particular interest to our ward as the Paganhill Post Office may well be put at risk by closure of Uplands.

Uplands Post Office is an exceptional case in many ways. We strongly submit that in relation to the proposed closure of Uplands, Network Change has failed to fulfill the requirements of the access criteria on ten separate grounds. In particular, the proposal to close a profitable operation, lies in direct conflict to its stated objective of using the Network Change programme to make the Post Office network sustainable.

When asked in Parliament if he would give an assurance that no profitable Post Office would close. (Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Committee; Third Report - Post Office Closure Programme - Feb 2008), Mr Alan Cook, Managing Director of Post Office Ltd, stated: "It is clearly pretty illogical that we would want to close something that is making a profit ... We need to be sure that every one we close, produces a material saving to Post Office ltd. There will be no post office that closes, that does not produce a material saving to Post Office network."

In light of the first 11 Area Plans, the Rural Shops Alliance completed an evaluation of Post Offices where the consultation process concluded that closure was the wrong option. Their document highlighted the access grounds on which it was argued that closure was not acceptable. We have used these grounds as the basis on which to judge whether Uplands Post Office meets the access criteria. Of the 23 Post Offices offered a reprieve in these first 11 Area Plans, of the 14 access grounds given, no single office hit more than four. The submission of Stroud Town Council is that Uplands Post Office fails the access criteria on eight of the 14 grounds, plus two other unique factors not mentioned elsewhere. At the public meeting held in Stroud on February 27th, both Postwatch and Post Office Ltd urged respondents to provide factual information to support any objections. The main body of the Town Council's response provides such evidence, underpinning each reason supporting our case that the closure the Uplands Post Office contravenes the government's Access Criteria.

The ten reasons are as follows: 1. Public transport is not available. 2. The topography of the town makes access on foot impossible for many existing users. 3. The distance to the nearest alternative will be considerably above one mile for a high percentage of existing users and mean that approximately 20% of people in the Stroud urban area will be more than a mile from a Post Office. 4. Access to the suggested alternative office by car is poor, making it particularly inaccessible to disabled and business customers. 5. The existing community served by the Uplands office has significant areas of deprivation and a high percentage of vulnerable customers. 6. 50% of the Post Offices serving Stroud have already closed in recent years. 7. The suggested alternative Post Office is unable to cope with any extra business. 8. Around 700 new homes are to be built in Stroud in the next few years including 165 on a site opposite Uplands Post Office. 9. The existing office is profitable and sustainable. 10. The unusual structure of Uplands Post Office means that closure will risk the viability of the other sub post office in the town.

Uplands Post Office is a unique facility, which provides a profitable and sustainable service to a community with a high percentage of vulnerable people. These will be unable to get suitable access to the nearest alternative. It has provided a valued and essential service to the community for more than 150 years. Instead of closing its doors forever, Post Office Limited should be working with its customers, the current Postmaster and the town council to develop and secure its services for the next 150 years.

Local Post Office closures

Locally news leaked yesterday is that closures will include Uplands, Woodchester, Ebley, Forest Green and Horsley Post offices. This is just plain wrong - see news release I've just sent out here.

Photo: Demo to save Paganhill PO - I am under the 'f' of office in the sign!

At least Paganhill and Cainscross Post Offices appear to be safe - indeed politically I cannot see how the Paganhill one would be allowed to close - especially after so much public money was poured into it - see my previous comment here.

I also just discovered that Ebley Post Office have still not heard officially that they are due to close but have received the leaflets they must distribute telling customers they are closing!

Family centre, Directory, Greenpeace and Credit Union...

Here's a collection of random bits of local info that I've been asked about over the last week and thought might interest?

What is that blue Cashes Green Family Centre? The new £360,000 purpose-built advice centre next to the Primary School (see photo) is to also serve Randwick and Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parishes - it will have a multi-agency approach to help young families with children up to five years old.

Photo: Water pouring from a gutter inside the Nursery where the Greenpeace meeting was held on Tuesday!

How do I join Gloucestershire Greenpeace? I went along to the local meeting on Tuesday night - the group are Stroud-based and it was a good opportunity to hear about their plans for the year and feedback some of the local campaigns that I'm involved with like Staverton Airport, Oldbury nuke and more. The next day someone asked me how to join - well to join or find out more about their monthly meetings contact Rene Meek on 07763 771448 Email: rene.meek@talk21.com

Credit Union opening times? Opening times are Thursdays 2 to 3pm in the Maypole Hall, Paganhill (next to the post office) - plus just reopened in Stonehouse in the Town Hall there on Tuesdays between 9 and 10 am. See my blog on 19th September 2006 for more info re the wonders of Credit Unions - join now!

How can I get a copy of The Randwick Directory? This is an excellent resource of who to call for local stuff - should have been received by everyone in Randwick by now well before Christmas - some were still available in the back of the Church or call Brian Stanley on 750207.

What about that dead tree on the green at Laburnam Crescent, Bread Street? I've raised this several times in the past and the good news is that residents have now been leafletted and depending on results a new tree might be on it's way in a matter of weeks? We hope!

Should District support local post offices?

The Government plans to close 2,500 post offices by 2009 - a fifth of those left in the UK - this means many post offices in Gloucestershire are under threat. One look at the Government's criteria for closure shows that according to them we have way too many post offices. It is certainly clear many post offices are in trouble:

Here's a quote from a Sub-postmaster to the District Council: "For every 200 pensioners we serve, we make only £15!!"

Last night at a Stroud District Council Policy panel in the Council Chamber at Ebley Mill (pictured above), a presentation of the current situation re post offices was made to councilors - sadly only only 5 0r 6 out of 51 councilors were there. I don't think that reflects the feelings about post offices but rather the frustration at having few powers to change the situation.

As regular readers of this blog will know post offices closures or threats to their closures have been an important local issue - locally Cashes Green Post Office and Whiteshill PO closed despite demonstrations and petitions while Paganhill remained open only due to massive community action and public funds - the other remaining post offices in Cainscross and Ebley have also been threatened with closure and some in the Parish fear they will not survive under this new review. Put 'post office' into search facility above to see previous entries or to see my submission to the Governments consultation click here.

The District Council has given small grants of £500 to village shops and post offices in the past however this scheme ended as £500 was really too little. The Council has also provided professional advice and support - even tried to help set up a forum for village shops and post offices - understandably if you are running one of those you are too tired to then attend an evening meeting - the forum closed but I do wonder if something online maybe possible instead?

Anyhow the Government is set to make an announcement in February and have another 6 week consultation - there is really little that can be done before then. I've written lots before on the flawed nature of the post office closures - the Government seems set on seeing them only as businesses - a complete failure to recognise the social importance they play - and indeed the importance of retaining local services in our challenge to reduce CO2 emissions.

So that leaves us locally with questions to ask - an interesting debate developed at last nights meeting around these issues. Wish I could summarise all but here is a taster...

Why do we want a Post Office? What should a PO provide? What should SDC's role be?

These are not such obvious questions? There is a romance attached to local post offices and retaining them however there is still no question in my mind about the important role they play - over 200 services including many types of banking. Yet local shops also play an important role in communities - too many communities no longer have access to fresh vegetables - or indeed any local food supplies.

Clearly there is a need for wider actions by Government to support local services but to what extent should SDC help local 'businesses'? I asked if there was a way of assessing 'social' or 'environmental' benefits and perhaps on those grounds looking at support - but the whole area is fraught with difficult issues, national policies and more. Certainly SDC should have a role in supporting post offices and village shops to diversify. I want to write lots more on this but have an appointment - will no doubt return in a future blog.

Flood update: plus bowser locations

Latest bits of news:

- The plan to construct 22-miles of temporary water mains to enable water to be pumped from outside the county in an effort to restore essential supplies will not be going ahead. Apparently the reason is the traffic disruption it will cause on the M5 and the resources required to implement it. Reports note that other options are currently being explored which will provide the same degree of benefit without the undue impact on traffic and already severely stretched resources.

- The substation at Castlemeads has been switched off due to flooding. The decision to terminate the supply in a controlled manner was made for safety reasons due to a sudden surge in the flood water. It has affected 48,000 homes in the Gloucestershire area - the other substation workers and the Navy are still fighting to protect - if that goes down it means 600,000 homes without electricity. Reports are so far positive although at one point yesterday floodwaters were within 2 inches of breaching.

- Whiteshill water supply is rumoured to be a burst water main - if this is the case it may well be restored very soon - however it still looks like 2 weeks without water in Randwick and other areas.

- Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish have already given in a list of 12 or so names of people needing help while Randwick are in the process of building a list - if in doubt please give names of vulnerable people to District Council as I am sure these wont be complete lists and circumstances change constantly. Neighbours are being very wonderful and helping out in many areas - this is hopefully a good excuse if ever people needed one to knock on doors locally to see if all are OK.

Areas without water in Stroud:

Bisley with Lypiatt
Chalford (part)
Cranham
Eastcombe
Farmhill
Hardwicke (part)
Harescombe
Miserden
Oakridge
Paganhill (part)
Painswick
Pitchcombe
Randwick
Slad
Thrupp
Uplands
Upton St Leonards (part)
Whiteshill and Ruscombe

Bowser locations:

These are the locations - but apparently many including Randwick and Whiteshill ones are still not in place. Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish have also sought a bowser for Bread Street as there are many properties between The Chapel in Ruscombe and the Vine Tree in Randwick - we'll see:

• Chalford Hill, Eastcombe, Bisley,Oakridge Lynch, Whiteway, Quarhouse
Lamb Inn, Eastcombe
O/S No 25, Foxes Cl, Manor Village, Eastcombe
O/S No 27, Freame Cl, Manor Village, Eastcombe
Lay By.Thomas Keble School, Eastcombe
The Willows, Limekiln Ln, Watery Ln, Bisley
Highfield Sports Gr.Highfield Way,France Lynch
Butchers Arms, Oakridge Lynch,
Adj. Prv, The Green, Peyton Pl, Quarhouse
St Marys Church, Bisley
Village Hall, Manor St, Bisley
Adj. Avalon, Whiteway, Miserden
Upper Througham Fm, Througham
• Cranham
Prinknash Park, Painswick Rd
The Black Horse pub
Cranham C Of E Primary, Cranham, Painswick
• Painswick
Opp. Reservoir Golf Club, Course Rd
Car Park, Stroud Rd
Painswick Primary School, Churchill Wy
St Marys Church, Victoria St
Butchers Arms, Sheepscombe
Woolpack Inn, Slad
• Stroud (Uplands, Brownshill, Bussage, Edge, Pitchcombe, Whiteshill, Westrip, Randwick, Farmhill)
O/S No.4, Keats Gardens, Farmhill
Allen Dr, Paganhill
Opp. No. 4, Swift Hill View
Junc Peghouse Rise, Folly Lane, Uplands
Edge Church, Edge
Entrance To Manor Fm, Pitchcombe
Adj. To Prv (Church), Main Rd, Whiteshill
Primary School, Whiteshill
Chapel Hall, The Throat, Whiteshill
Vine Tree Inn, Randwick
The Carpenters Arms, Westrip
On Verge, The Green, Bussage
Opp. The Old Post Office, Brownshill, Nr Stroud
Bussage C Of E Primary, Bussage, Nr Stroud
O/S No.4, Keats Gardens, Farmhill, Stroud
Allen Dr, Paganhill, Stroud
O/S No.35 Maple Dr, Maple Dr, Whiteshill
Adj. Avalon, Whiteway, Miserden
• Upton St Leonards
The Ashpath, Churchfield Rd
Stats Orchard, Woodland Green
Rance Pitch, High St
Perry Orchard Estate, East Of High St
Port Way, Valley La
Kings Head pub, Upton Hill
Hotel, Upton Hill
Upton Junior School
Bowden Hall
Stanley Rd
Budlea Cl
Brow Rd
Fox Cl
Ramada Hotel, Bondend Rd

Questions to author of this blog

The local community newspaper, the Randwick Runner, is kind enough to report on various local activities in which I'm engaged so I put the following together re this blogsite.

Photos: taken in Ruscombe Valley last week

Part One: Questions to local District councillor Philip Booth regarding his 'Ruscombe Green' blog that has been listed amongst the top Green blogs in the country.

What is it?
It is a collection on a website of comments and reports of meetings and events about very local issues as well as broader issues around my role as a local District councillor: the entries are written in chronological order but displayed in reverse chronological order. Ruscombe Green has been going for just over a year and has around 600 entries on a vast range of topics with new entries being added most days - plus many photos including local views. The entries are not crafted works of literature but often quick comments or write-ups of meetings or events or perhaps topical issues - often with links to other web pages. Comments, anonymous or otherwise, are welcomed on each blog item and displayed for others to also read.

Why do a blog?
The Randwick Runner is a wonderful community newspaper but it doesn't reach all the people in the ward or Whiteshill and Ruscombe Parish which I also cover. A blog similarly also can't reach everyone but it is another forum where people can engage and debate on local issues. Local politics is in many ways not so accessible as it could be: this is one way to share what a District councillor gets up to and hopefully encourage more local participation. Of course I am also very happy to talk on the phone or talk with more local groups about my role on the Council.

Who looks at this blog?
The blog statistics can analyse in detail who visits: over 1000 people are visiting the site every month (more than visit the Councils' webcast which averages 536 viewers per month!). About 75% of those visiting are new visitors, some 370 people are returning to view the site regularly. The vast majority are from the UK but many visit from abroad: last month the site has seen visitors from a huge number of countries including Latvia, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Guyana, Ukraine, Thailand and even 9 visitors from the Ivory Coast. The stats can even tell you which town so I know for example 19 came from Melbourne, 11 from Los Angeles, 1 from Reykjavik and 17 from Watford! About 10% of people come direct to the site while some 30% come from other websites: for example 29 this month from Randwicks' website, 2 from the New Statesman, 160 from other bloggers. The remaining 60% come via search engines.

What do they look at?
This varies considerably: some spend time perusing through various local items while others just visit one specific item then leave. Popular this month has been items on the Open Studios, Mobile phone masts, a comment about the research on country walks reducing depression, a meeting I organised on Sustainable Urban Drainage and Richard Heinberg's talk to Stroud District Council's Cabinet regarding Peak Oil - this 'peak' is the point at which oil production rises to its highest point before declining and it is fast approaching with huge implications for all of us.

How do people find items on the blog?
There is a search facility: put in key words like 'art' or '20 mph' to find items or use the 'Archives' section in the right-hand column. There are also links to other local sites.

Is there life beyond the blog?
I do wonder sometimes about the time spent in this online world: the blog does take time to do but many of the items I will have adapted from other uses. A letter or report for example can quickly be turned into a blog item. There is also clearly lots that doesn't make the blog like meetings that perhaps aren't worth reporting or events that I just didn't get around to writing about. I would welcome comments and suggestions on how to improve within the limited time resources I have!

Next time in the Runner a report on some of the contents of Ruscombe Green

Visit Ruscombe Green at:
http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com
Or telephone: 755451

Part Two: Questions to local District councillor Philip Booth regarding his 'Ruscombe Green' blog.

Last week we looked at what was this Ruscombe Green blog, who reads it and what is it for, this week we look a bit at what Philip Booth writes about:

What are some of the local issues you've written about?
The Wap, local attempts to slow traffic, the National Trust woods, the local bus service and attempts to improve it, proposed footpath changes, street lighting and whether it should be switched off at night, Parish meetings, homelessness in Whiteshill, vandalised grit bins, reports on local events and future events, local artists, the Ruscombe brook and more. There are also stories like a Peregrine falcon seen in Ruscombe valley and even a local sleuths attempt to identify the house in a 1832 painting of Paganhill Cottage found in Canada.

What about some of the issues re the District Council?
The various Council meetings and policy panels get mentions and comments - and of course the many consultations and various reports. I air some frustrations like climate change not being tackled with the urgency it is needed - but there is also a huge welcome where things work well like the Councils consultation on the Environment Strategy paper and how they listened to opposition councillors and made changes. The Council have also made much welcomed changes to their submission on the Draft Climate Change Bill and regional planning documents following comments made. I also mention some key planning decisions like the loss of Cashes Green Vicarage: in fact I followed that up with the Diocese who kindly invited me to make a presentation to them last month in Gloucester. I understand this has led to questions being asked at Synod to see if new Vicarages can all be carbon neutral rather than what we will see in Cashes Green.

And County issues?
Numerous issues including Post Office closures, furniture recycling, affordable housing and trying to see more 20 mph zones in our residential areas. One key issue has been opposition to the proposed expansion at Staverton airport: it is astonishing that Councils who have signed up to cutting CO2 emissions should be seeking to see the airport increase its emissions, when every other business in Gloucestershire is being told to cut theirs significantly. The science is clear: we cannot countenance any further expansion of aviation. I've written to many other councillors and the press on this. Another big issue is the 39 year old Oldbury nuclear power station (16 miles from Stroud): whatever your views on new nukes, to me, it is quite clear this power station should close: it now has the most heavily corroded reactor core of it's type in the world and independent scientists have warned of the serious risks being taken, even internal reports released under the Freedom of Information Act show that is unsafe to operate through to its planned closure date of December next year.

Any other issues?
The blog covers a huge range of other wider topics like the Government's push for more GM crops, concerns about biofuels, the national breastfeeding manifesto, David Drews' very welcomed sponsoring of the important Sustainable Communities Bill, correspondence with Ministers, ID cards - and more - like this month another submission to the Panel looking at Weavers Croft arguing this service must not close. There are also blog entries about the exciting Transition Stroud and their projects to find local solutions to the twin threats of climate change and the forecast dwindling oil supplies. This is a hugely positive movement that only started last September and has taken off across the country: here in Stroud there is a hugely industrious, enthusiastic group of people looking at community renewable energy solutions, local food and even have a license to grow hemp for clothing. One of the key notions being that it isn't sustainable if it isn't fun.

Can you leave comments on the blog site?
Yes - on some issues there are many comments left and emails sent direct to me: some debate the issues or add extra information, some disagree, some are supportive, some are anonymous, some are not. One guy in Seattle has offered his particularly good photos for use on the site, another phoned from Australia with additional information to an item I'd written about Bee Colony Collapse Disorder, another was the author of the book whose ideas I was promoting, others have debated local issues like whether the campsite should reopen in Randwick woods. Another comment led to renewed pushes to encourage Tesco to put up a bus shelter outside their main store. While an item on Painswick library's threatened closure led to the editor of an International Library magazine visiting me in Painswick with another District councillor: he now plans a series of articles on the campaign to retain a library in Painswick. I welcome comment and feedback on how to improve the blog.

Visit Ruscombe Green at:
http://ruscombegreen.blogspot.com
Or telephone: 755451

Post Office consultation closes 8th March

There are currently around 14,300 post offices (down from around 25,000 in the 1960s). Since 2002 around 3000 urban post offices have closed (ie about 4000 since Labour first took power). In Gloucestershire not long ag there were more than 200 Post Offices - in the last 10 years we have lost more than 50. There were just 139 left last year: some of these were also planned for closure so I'm unsure now how many we have.

Photo: newspaper clipping of Whiteshill Post Office closure March 2005. See me in back row of photo! A recent survey found 8 out of 10 local residents are inconvienienced when their village Post Office closes. One third are affected a great deal.

The current proposal is to close another 2500 post offices over the next two years - this is the basis for the current consultation which closes on 8th March. Gloucestershire looks set to be hit particularly hard by the cuts.

We are told that only 4000 post offices (at most) are commercially viable in the UK. The Government recognises that it needs more than that to fulfil a social role, but it doesn’t say how many, talking instead vaguely about the need for the network to be “sustainable”, without saying what that means. The prospects for our post office network under the present Government look at best uncertain, and at worst bleak. No post office can be considered safe.

Photo: Paganhill Post Office nearly lost but community still mugged by Tesco?

Stroud District Green party seeks a healthy post office network that meets our social, environmental and economic needs. We seek to prevent closures, and to re-open post offices that have closed. Rural post offices and stores are often the focal point of a community. Not only do they offer access to basic needs but are also in many cases a lifeline to older residents. The loss of these facilities can only serve to further increase social isolation within this age group.

Photo: post office relocated behind Tesco in Paganhill

Below is a brief draft of some of the key points raised in my submission to the consultation process. I would welcome comments as I plan to tidy this up a bit but would urge others to make their thoughts known by clicking here for the Dti website and details of how to take part.

The Post Office Network - Consultation Response

Return completed forms (preferably by e-mail) to: Postal Office Network Consultation, Department of Trade and Industry, Response Centre, 1 Victoria Street, London SW1H 0ET
E-mail: dti.enquiries@dti.gsi.gov.uk

Question 1. Do you think the Government's forward strategy for the post office network addresses all the key issues and challenges the network faces?

No

Comments: The government needs to be much more explicit about the social role of post offices, and their role in providing sustainable communities: the impact of Climate Change and Peak Oil need to be recognised properly.

Post offices are the heart of a community. They are often a lifeline to vulnerable, disabled or older people, plus many young families, people on low income and local businesses. The All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group report (February 2006) said that around 30% of people over 65 do not see any friends at least once a week. Small shops and post offices are often the only form of regular social contact: after these disappear the MPs note "there are serious concerns about accessibility to life's necessities." Age Concern (Oct 2006) found that 98.6% of older people said their local post office was a 'lifeline' and played an important part in their local community. The same survey found that for more vulnerable older people and those living alone the post office was even more important.

Post Offices help the local economy, often keeping neighbouring businesses afloat (particularly any shop attached to the post office). Their local presence often avoids the need for a car journey, or an arduous and expensive journey on public transport.

The Government's failure to recognise the social role of post offices is reflected in how they describe the Social Network Payment (SNP) as a “subsidy”. When the Government spends billions on the NHS, it is called “investment”. However, when the Government want to get away with reducing their support, even though it fulfils an important social purpose, they call it “reducing subsidy”. By using the word “subsidy” the Government creates an image of propping up a failing business in our minds, so that we don’t mind so much when that support is taken away.

According to the President of the South West Region of the National Federation of Sub-Postmasters, Stuart Manning, the SNP does not actually reach sub-postmasters. He claims that a third of it is “created” by playing around with existing budget figures, another third is spent on maintaining the rural network from Head Office, and the rest is spent on consultants to come up with business ideas, such as new financial products, and advise management on how to do its job. There would seem to be considerable room to look at how the SNP is used more effectively and all the evidence points to the need to significantly increase the amount available rather than ending this investment in communities.

The local post office and shop is a cornerstone of a sustainable society, based on strong, highly self-reliant communities. Closing post offices leads to longer distances travelled and more carbon emissions. The problems of Climate Change and Peak Oil (the point at which world oil production rises to its highest point before declining) mean that we need to be returning to local provision of services not moving away from them.

In rural areas with a Post Office, half of all customers walk to the Post Office. Following a local closure 81% drive to the farther Post Office by car (Postwatch, 2002). In urban areas 70% of customers walk to their local Post Office: after closure only 42% do so, whilst 44% go by car (Postwatch 2001).

Question 2. Are there other significant factors affecting the future of the post office network which appear to have been overlooked in the Government's proposed approach?

Yes

Comments: The sustainability of communities relies upon their access to services, both commercial and government agencies. The lose of post offices and the subsequent effect on the sustainability of communities, the intangible social network needs to be considered. The impact of Climate Change and Peak Oil, as mentioned above, are not considered properly. Also the government has not properly expanded the services available to customers and citizens from post offices: it is estimated that the Government taking business away from post offices by paying pensions and benefits directly into bank accounts has cost the Post Office around £400m p.a. in lost income. This latter move may mean efficiencies for the service provider but has meant increased hardship for a significant number of people.

Many other factors also impact on sustainability: second homes that often lie empty for many months have for example led in some villages to tipping the balance so that a Post Office becomes no longer viable.

Question 3. Do you have comments on the national access criteria proposed?

Yes

Comments: The access criteria are rather a blunt tool, because they take no account of transport links or population demographics. One mile can be a very long way with young children or if customers have mobility problems.

Question 4. Do you have comments on the access criteria proposed for deprived urban and rural areas?

Yes

Comments: See above.

Question 5. Do you have any suggestions as to how services might be better delivered through the post office network?

Yes

Comments: Government agencies should make much more of their services available through post offices. For example parking fines could be paid, planning applications viewed and full banking services provided.

Question 6. Do you have any comments on Outreach arrangements as a means of maintaining service to small and remote communities?

Yes

Comments: The proposal for mobile post office services for remote communities, or running post offices from non-traditional premises could be a way forward for some communities.

Question 7. Do you have comments on the practicality of community ownership of parts of the post office network, which might involve the transfer of assets to community organisations and/or the establishment of local mutual or co-operative organisations to own and run local services?

Yes

Comments: This is an interesting way forward, but will need support from central or local government: financial support as well as advice. Advantages of a community-owned shop and post office include the fact that providing the public service does not fall on one individual and that it can be run democratically. However there are huge concerns that poorer communities may not be able to afford such a venture or supply the volunteer help that is needed in some of the current schemes. The Post Office is a public service and should remain so: the level of public funding of such community projects will be critical.

As a final point all this adds weight to the need for the Sustainable Communities Bill to be passed. David Drew is one of the sponsors for this exciting and potentially very important piece of legislation.

The Bill has already got through the first hurdle - it needs all the support it can get. I've pinched the stats alongside this from the Local Works website which has lots more info.

Catch up on local news: film nights, PO raid and Lawns

Several local news items

Photo: View across to Bread Street from Ruscombe this afternoon

Randwick Film nights: The SNJ this week carries a story about the recent Randwick film nights - I sadly missed them - several people have told me how good they were - included a look at the Wap 33 years ago when the festival was revived - the first Randwick Mayor, the late Jim Turner had three of his sons in the audience.

There was also a film about the Woodchester pavement from 1973 when it was uncovered - I saw the replica made of this - wasn't expecting much but have to say even the replica was amazing - it has been on show locally at the Prinknash Abbey - see also BBC report re Prinknash Abbey.

Paganhill Post Office raided: Police are still hunting raiders who made a hole in a wall in an attempt to burgle the Paganhill post office at the Maypole Community Centre, in Stratford Road. The culprits apparently broke into the hall before gaining entry to the post office, but while they did get into the Post office nothing was stolen from the premises. Anyone with information about the break-in is urged to contact Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Some good news is that the Paganhill Post Office is now getting used more - there were serious worries as after it moved trade dropped off to an unsustainable level - I think nobody knew it was there - however trade has picked up and it is now a going concern. However like all small post offices it faces many threats and some have said already it could be one of the ones listed for closure if we are not careful. Readers of this Blog will know I have been deeply unhappy about the whole process - Greens campaigned vigourously to try and ensure Tesco kept the Post Office in their store like in Nailsworth - too readily people accepted their refusal - read previous blogs here (it will come up with previous blogs and this one) - and see letter to SNJ at the time here.

Lawns work: Many will have noticed that work has begun on the ambitious plans to transform the Lake at The Lawns, just off Cainscross roundabout. The Ruscombe Brook Action Group has campaigned long and hard to get reed beds put in to help improve water quality - the brook ends up in that lake before going into the canal - I've attended a fair few meetings and while I am not wholly happy with the outcome it is better than original proposals and does have reed beds.

Some £35,000 worth of funding will go into dredging the lake, building up banks and more. The Stroud Community Land Trust who now manage the area, plan to turn it into a new space for wildlife and the community. The area, as locals will know, has fallen into disrepair over more than a decade. The two-hectare site, which lies in the shadow of Tricorn House, was formerly the garden of a large house known as The Lawns. Boasting a large lake, a flowing brook and hundreds of mature trees, the site has been described by residents as an oasis in an urban jungle. The house was bought by the county council and then demolished to make way for the new road. The old gardens remain, but in recent years the amount of litter, dogs mess and vandalism, along with the poor condition of many of the trees and the silting up of the lake, has meant many local people have stopped using it.

Whiteshill Credit Union to close but Paganhill opens

It is a great shame to hear that our Credit Union in the Whiteshill and Ruscombe shop is to close - for over 5 years it has struggled to keep going. Huge thanks to the volunteers - the good news is that a new one opens this month every Thursday 2-3pm in the Maypole Community Hall in Paganhill (the new Post Office behind Tesco).

I've been a member of the local Credit Union for many years and helped get the original Forest Green site set up when I lived in Nailsworth. Debt is a huge issue that politicians sadly seem to ignore or know little about - see my letter earlier this year re Parmjit Dhanda MP for Gloucester.

At a meeting last year in Gloucester (see photo) that I attended on Credit Unions there was exciting talk about merging the Credit Unions in Gloucestershire to build a stronger organisation. Certainly the organisation needs to build support.

I would strongly urge people to consider joining.

What is a Credit Union?

A Credit Union is a community-based network of savers and borrowers. Credit Unions aim to provide affordable loans, encourage savings and give members help and support in managing their money. It is not for profit nor is it a charity, but rather a service run by its’ members for its’ members.

CUs were once seen as a poor person's bank, but are now widely recognised as having the potential to make a serious impact on the financial lives of people in communities throughout the country. In the US around one in four adults belongs to a CU and in Canada it is one in three. So by contrast, many in the UK are losing out on the benefits gained from being in a CU.

Every year, one in 20 adults in the UK uses finance companies which offer credit door to door. This market is worth around £2bn a year. Loans are offered at annual percentage rates which average 177% but can be as high as an astonishing 900%. Many of the people signing up for such loans fail to under-stand the terms or how much they repay in total at the end of the loan. Many are caught into a cycle of seemingly-endless debt.

About half of all such customers live on less than £9,500 a year, two-thirds are women, often with children. Almost a third of customers were people who stay at home to look after their families. Provident Financial controls almost 50% of the doorstep loans market. The other 3 main lenders are Catties, London Scottish, and S&U.

How much do I have to save? Whatever you can afford - as long as you save regularly either by calling into a collection point or by Standing Order. Each pound saved purchases you one share in the Credit Union.

Can I borrow from the Credit Union? Yes, but you will be asked to contribute to savings whilst repaying your loan. Money can also only be lent after a short savings period, but the Credit Union will consider even the smallest of loans which are not of interest to most lenders.

What rate of interest will I be charged? I think current rates are 1% per month on the reducing balance. For example a £100 loan repaid in full over one year could cost you just £6.50 in interest.

Will I be paid interest on my savings? If the Credit Union makes a profit the surplus will be returned to members as a dividend.

What happens if I lose my job? In any event that you are unable to keep up repayments you should contact the Credit Committee who will make every effort to restructure your loan.

Who will know about this? All members affairs are treated in the strictest confidence with only the Credit Committee and Treasurer involved.

Is anyone paid for running a Credit Union? The members themselves manage the Stroud Valleys Credit Union. Officers of the Credit Union are unpaid volunteers. The Credit Union is always looking for people who may be interested in helping run one of their colection points, perhaps by offering 2 hours a month. Any necessary training and help would be available.

Is the Credit Union involved with any political organisations? No

How are my savings protected? Credit Unions are strictly regulated and members money is well protected.

How can I join? As long as you live in post code areas GL5, GL6 or GL10 you can fill in an application form. The Stroud Valleys Credit Union has other regular collection points in Stroud, Uplands, Ebley Mill, Stonehouse and Forest Green. Telephone 01453 752905 for further details.