SDC News

SDC News

Autumn 2010

• ECO HOMES IN STONEHOUSE • MUSEUM TOPS FOR VISITORS

GET FIT !

MONE Y OFF VOUC HER INSIDE !

See pag e

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• YPI – YOUNG PERSON INFO FEATURE

2002-2003 Crime Reduction in Rural Areas 2004-2005 Services for Older People 2007-2008 Emergency Planning

Contents Supporting Stroud Free parking

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Contact us

Get fit, get healthy Discounts on offer

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Visit or write to us: Stroud District Council Ebley Mill, Stroud, GL5 4UB Opening hours: Monday, 8.45am – 5pm Tuesday, 8.45am – 5pm Wednesday, 8.45am – 5pm Thursday, 8.45am – 5pm Friday, 8.45am – 4.30pm

Walking back to happiness Page 5 Hike yourself to health Beating benefit cheats Read about our fraud team

Or visit our customer service staff at the following locations:

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Dursley Library May Lane, Dursley, GL11 4JH Friday, 10am – 12.30pm Wotton One Stop Shop Civic Centre, 2 Gloucester Street, Wotton-under-Edge GL12 7DN Tuesday, 10am – 12.30pm

What’s on Page 7 Check out what the district has to offer Prep your home for the winter Page 8 Energy saving tips

Online: www.stroud.gov.uk customer.services@stroud.gov.uk Call us: • During office hours on 01453 766321 • For out of hours emergencies call 01452 532467

Day in the life of Page 9 Canal Volunteer Manager

Your council Stroud District Council is made up of 51 councillors in 30 wards, elected by you to represent your interests.

The make up of the council is as follows:

YPI – Young Person Info Page 10 Dedicated to the district’s young people

SDC News

Autumn 2010

About SDC News

• ECO HOMES IN STONEHOUSE • MUSEUM TOPS FOR VISITORS

GET FI

T! MON EY VOU OFF CH INSID ER E! See page 5

SDC News is delivered to every household in the district to provide information on the services available from Stroud District Council.

We hope that it will keep you informed of developments and initiatives that affect you.

If you, or anyone you know, would prefer to receive this newsletter in Braille, large print, on n COVER PHOTO: audio tape or another format, please email: Children enjoying customer.services@stroud.gov.uk swimming or phone 01453 766321.

• YPI – YOUNG PERSON INFO FEATURE

2002-2003 Crime Reduction in Rural Areas 2004-2005 Services for Older People 2007-2008 Emergency Planning

classes at Dursley Pool

SDC News is printed on FSC certified paper. Please place in your recycling box once you have finished with it.

Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in this publication, however Stroud District Council will not be liable for any form of loss or inconvenience arising from information contained within it.

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STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

• Conservative • Labour • Liberal Democrat • Green • Independent

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For more information on your councillors visit www.stroud.gov.uk You can now watch your councillors in action at council meetings, or observe planning meetings, live from the comfort of your own home by logging on to the internet at www.stroud.gov.uk/webcast

Your priorities The council’s four key priorities come neatly under one word - CARE. Every year we survey residents • Climate change and businesses throughout the • Affordable housing district to ensure that your • Resources priorities are our priorities.

• Economy

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You like what we do!

New look for Dursley town centre After months of hard work and extensive consultation, the new paving around the Grade II listed Market Hall in Dursley has been completed.

The paving, which took 11 weeks to complete and was unveiled in June, links the new Sainsbury’s store to the town centre. Along with the paving, new benches and flower beds have also been installed making an attractive and welcoming addition to the town.

Go along and see it for yourself!

A recent independent resident survey carried out by local company Research Box revealed that 2 out of 3 residents (66%) are satisfied or very satisfied with the way SDC runs things. This is up on last year’s 61% and equally, the number of people who are dissatisfied has dropped to 13%.

OLDER PEOPLE – WHAT MATTERS? With an ageing population we want to make sure that our older residents are receiving, and have access, to the right care and services. To ensure this happens we are delighted to be leading on a far reaching pilot study which aims to find out what matters to older people. The pilot, part of the Total Place project, will involve extensive consultation with service providers and most importantly the older residents themselves. The aim of the project is to see how public bodies such as this council, county council, NHS and voluntary organisations can work in a more ‘joined up’ way to deliver services for older people.

The survey also revealed: 3 out of 4 (74%) are satisfied with our work to improve the environment

PLANNING GUIDANCE ON VIDEO

Just over 2 out of 3 (70%) say they have been treated with respect and consideration by us

A groundbreaking step-by-step video guide has been developed to help people fill in planning application forms. The brief video clips, hosted on You Tube, feature on the council’s website and set out in plain English how to complete planning applications. To help the home owner, each section of the form is explained with examples of the information required. Advice is also provided.

To view the guide visit: www.stroud.gov.uk/planningnews

In a separate survey residents rated us as the highest value for money council in Gloucestershire.

Shop in Stroud f you have visited Stroud town centre recently then you can’t have failed to miss the vibrant and colourful banners displayed on the main entry points into the town. The banners, which give a flavour of the variety of products and services the town has to offer, have been created as part of the Shop in Stroud initiative organised by Stroud Chamber of Commerce and in partnership with other local organisations, including Stroud District Council. The campaign has been launched to encourage shoppers to support trade during the disruption caused by the work on Merrywalks Bridge. A comprehensive website has been created featuring a directory of all the weird and wonderful things (as well as the more run of the mill stuff!) on offer in Stroud. Go to www.shopinstroud.com

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PARK AFTER 3 FOR FREE! To help entice customers into Stroud, and to support the Shop in Stroud initiative, we are letting shoppers park free of charge everyday after 3pm inside the London Road multi-storey car park.

The offer runs until the end of the year.

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ELECTORAL REGISTER SIGN UP OR MISS OUT! Every household in the district should by now have had a Register of Electors 2010/11 form drop on the doormat. It is vital that you complete and return this form by 30th November 2010. It is a legal requirement that you and the other members of your household of voting age sign up every year - failure to do so can potentially land you with a £1000 fine and affect your credit rating.

Call 01453 754886.

STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

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JUST WHAT THE DOCTOR ORDERED Since 2005 our sport and health development team has been running the health lifestyle scheme aimed at improving people’s health. Exercise can play a key role in improving a broad range of physical and psychological medical conditions. In recognition of this we are encouraging GPs to refer patients to the GP Referral Scheme. This 12 week scheme allows patients to access a tailored training programme at three of the district’s sports centre (Stratford Park, Dursley and Wotton-under-Edge). There is a one-off £10 induction fee and each gym session costs £2. After the 12 weeks, participants can also take advantage of discounted membership rates at the district’s sports centres. The scheme is only open to people with health conditions or the potential to develop one i.e. obesity, diabetes, asthma, high blood pressure, stress, depression and/or rehabilitation from illness or injury.

For more information visit your GP or nurse, or call us on 01453 754505.

Calling all fitness Dursley is where Located in the bustling market town of Dursley, Dursley Pool and for everyone regardless of age, fitness level, or ability. Along with the the sports centre has a range of programmes and classes to choose

VOLUNTEER ANTS DELIVER HEALTHY MESSAGES An innovative project using music and drama has been launched to deliver health messages to older people. The Ageing Naturally Together (ANT) Project will bring together older people from care homes, day centres and sheltered housing schemes to work with volunteer actors, musicians, scheme managers and activity coordinators. ‘Ageing Naturally Together’ is a light hearted play or ‘ANTomime’ which aims to empower older people and enable them to develop the play over a 9 month period. The healthy ageing play will then be performed within participating sheltered housing schemes and other community venues in Spring 2011. ANT is a joint project between the Stroud District Council and NHS Gloucestershire.

Call 08454 221500 or 01453 754177.

Messing about in the water… eaching your child to swim is a fun and healthy way of encouraging them to exercise. The junior learn to swim programme starts from parent and toddler and continues through to Rookie Lifesaving and D2 Swim Squad.

Other classes on offer at Dursley Pool include: • Aqua Stretch • Water Combat • Water Workout

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For information on other sport and fitness centres in the district visit www.stroud.gov.uk/sport Page 4

STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

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Sports Centre has something on offer fantastic 25 metre swimming pool, from - both in and out of the water.

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fanatics it’s at!

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Walk your way to health

Staying on dry land… or all those mums and dads looking to get fighting fit, the pool has developed YB Buggy Blitz. This new GG L class meets at Dursley Pool and involves a walk and exercises around the local area with babies and toddlers in tow (or rather out front) in their buggies. This is a great class for parents, as no childcare is required.

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If swimming is not for you then check out the variety of classes on offer at the fitness suite based at Dursley Sports Centre at Rednock School:

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• • • • • • • •

220 Circuits Aerobics Body Combat Flexi Bar Hula Hoop Kettle Bell On the ball body conditioning.

Step

To make the most out of all the activities on offer, sign up for a monthly leisure pass which includes unlimited swimming, unlimited use of the fitness suite, all classes and racket sports for just £32.80 per month.

The pool also boasts an innovative Shokk Wave gym, exclusively for young people aged 6-16.

For a full range of what’s on offer visit www.stroud.gov.uk/dursleypool If all the information here has not tempted you enough then perhaps a discount will help!

Cut out the voucher below and enjoy leisure for less…

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£20 OFF

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The weekly health walks are: Mondays: • Chalford – 11am – Chalford Baptist Church Tuesdays: • Stonehouse – 10.15am – Community Centre, Laburnum Way off Regent St • Nailsworth – 2.30pm – Nailsworth Library Wednesdays: • Cainscross – 12.30pm – SDC Ebley Mill Offices, just outside Reception • Stroud – 2.30pm – Tesco, Stratford Rd • Wotton Under Edge – 2pm – Chipping Car Park • Dursley – 10.30am – venue changes every week, call Vale Vision on 01453 544933 for details • Minchinhampton – 7pm – Minchinhampton Market Square Thursdays: • Dursley – 2.30pm – Dursley Pool car park There will be a one off weekend walk in Cam on: Sunday 10th October 2010 – 2pm at Cam Tesco by main front doors

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Cut out this voucher, take it along to Dursley Pool and enjoy leisure for less for a WHOLE YEAR!!

an’t face the thought of the gym?

Want to meet new people? Then one of our accredited health walks could be just the thing for you. Throughout the district we deliver a number of short health walks that you can take part in for free. The walks are weekly and are led by fully qualified walk leaders who ensure the right level of intensity, and of course make sure you don’t get lost!

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Details of the health walks and much more can be found at www.strollinginstrouddistrict.org The website has a wealth of information including: Database of walks in your area - 44 different circular walks from across the district information on local walking festivals – opportunity to add your own walks.

YEARLY MEMBERSHIP!

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Valid until: 31st October 2010

Code: Dursley 001

No Joining Fee, All inclusive yearly membership £277.00.

No cash alternatives. Only applies to annual membership.

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STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

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PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS In recent months our housing advice team has helped 306 households avoid homelessness. In the past year our Homelessness Prevention Fund (HPF) has assisted 51 homeless families into the private rented sector by helping with set up and deposit costs. We were also able to help one family pay off arrears, amassed in privately rented accommodation, due to loss of employment. In addition to this, seven households who had an existing HPF grant have been able to carry it forward into a new property.

Call 01453 754078 or e-mail homelessnessadvice@stroud.gov.uk

Stonehouse leads the way in eco design

COUNCIL SDC IN TOP 14 FOR ON! TAX COLLECTI

in England Out of 325 authorities th cil was rated 14 Stroud District Coun th s es for Busin for Council Tax & 8 ent’s latest m rn ve Rates in the go league tables. ely we can spend By collecting effectiv s. more on your service

BEHIND ON YOUR COUNCIL TAX?

Don’t stick your head in the sand!

Contact us and we ca n help you sort out your arrears and agree a repayment plan. Call 01453 754054.

esidents of Stonehouse’s most recent affordable housing development are the envy of their neighbours after moving into innovative green homes which boast hot water from solar water heating and toilets that flush with recycled rainwater.

The 16 new affordable homes, with pioneering green technology, replaced eight old-fashioned, concrete homes.

The properties were constructed using an inventive off site manufacturing process which enabled them to be built 60% quicker than traditional building techniques. The development was the

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first in the south west to use this new, innovative technique. Sections of the homes were delivered to the site fully finished with kitchens and bathrooms pre-installed, and services, such as plumbing, gas and electricity already fixed and tested.

The project was developed in partnership with Stroud District Council, the Homes and Communities Agency and Gloucestershire-based Two Rivers Housing.

Stamping out benefit fraud re you angry when you read all the stories in the papers about people cheating the benefit system? At SDC we have a dedicated fraud team who work closely with a range of external government and private organisations, like banks and building societies, to detect and eliminate fraud.

With continuously improving technology and a range of computerised systems at our disposal to match data between agencies such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and HM Revenue & Customs, our fraud team is leading the way in successfully detecting, prosecuting and recovering benefit money fraudulently claimed.

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So what is benefit fraud?

• Not telling us about a change in circumstances • Undeclared work • Undeclared savings • Sources of income we did not know about (including other benefits) • Undeclared partner • Not telling us the full facts Page 6

DID YOU KNOW ?

The total loss to benefit fraud is estimat ed to be around £1 Billion pounds, or: • 12,500 Docto rs • 28,000 Teache rs • 25,000 Police Officers

These are only some of the types of fraud which may be committed.

Don’t let them get away with it! If you suspect anyone is Figures from the committing benefit fraud, report it DWP anonymously at www.stroud.gov.uk/reportit, email: fraudteam@stroud.gov.uk or call the fraud hotline on 01453 754870 (24hr line)

Stamping out benefit fraud saves you money!

THE TEAM YOU CAN TRUST Our benefits team has been nominated for for an IRRV (Institute of Revenues Rating and Valuation) award, for its work.

If you think that you may qualify for benefits or your personal circumstances have changed, please call them on 01453 754054.

They will do all they can to help.

STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

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WHAT’S ON…

MUSEUM IN THE PARK TOPS FOR VISITORS!

Experience the beautiful autumn colours and visit the Museum in the Park where you can enjoy a variety of wonderful exhibitions, lively workshops and many other fantastic events…

OCTOBER • 9th – 10th - Big Draw Weekend! - Come along and be part of the 10th nationwide BIG DRAW – FREE! • 30th - Daylight Theatre presents: TREASURE IN THE SAND An adventure play set in the mysterious lands of Ancient Egypt.

NOVEMBER • 14th - Spaniel in the Works Theatre Company presents: Tommy Atkins and The Canary Girl - A play about local life during WW1.

Its official, the Museum in the Park offers visitors a fantastic service and a great cultural experience. For the second year running, the museum has been awarded the coveted Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme Award (VAQAS) from official tourist board Visit England.

Receiving awards is always an honour but the best prize is the number of feet through the door.

“Excellent museum.

2009/10 saw the highest ever All should come!” visitors numbers (44,000), which (Customer comment) is a rise of 54% since 2006/07.

If you have not visited before, or have not been for a while, where better to discover the district’s heritage, grab a coffee or ice cream and meet up with friends and family.

Visit www.museuminthepark.org.uk

HISTORIC STROUD MOTORCYCLE ROARS INTO MUSEUM

DECEMBER • 4th - Cancelling Christmas: Over indulgence, feasting and merriment! Discover why Christmas was cancelled by Cromwell ... combining pantomime, poetry, and a little bit of dancing For a full list of events on offer visit www.museuminthepark.org.uk call 01453 763394 or pick up a Subscription Rooms events brochure.

Visit the Subscription Rooms, the hub of entertainment for the district and enjoy a host of top quality music, drama, comedy and art.

Forthcoming highlights include: OCTOBER • 22nd – Georgie Fame - A welcome return to Stroud by the legendary keyboardist vocalist

NOVEMBER • 12th - Americana - Four dance works capture the history, culture and icons that are Americana.

• 28th – Levellers - A punk take on English traditional music from this Brighton-based six piece

DECEMBER • 14th - Sleeping Beauty - Vienna Festival Ballet returns with their enchanting production Café Bar The newly decorated Subs Café Bar is open 10am – 2pm every Saturday morning offering a new range of delicious drinks and snacks to eat in or take away - the perfect place to enjoy a break from the hustle and bustle on a busy Stroud Saturday morning.

Pick up a brochure or visit the website www.subscriptionrooms.org.uk

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A piece of motorcycling history has been added to the museum’s varied and fascinating collection after the British Motorcycling Charitable Trust donated a 1920’s Baughan motorcycle and sidecar. The motorcycle was built in Stroud in 1929 and was ridden by Bill Hayward, Baughan Motors Works Manager, with Marjorie Grant Heelas (who also worked for the company) in the sidecar. It won many motorcycle trials between 1929 and 1946. Watch out for an enlightening talk on the bike which is planned for later on this year.

STRATFORD PARK CELEBRATES 75th ANNIVERSARY 2010 is the 75th Anniversary of Stratford Park becoming a public park. To celebrate, there will be a range of events throughout the year. The park has already hosted a Festival of Nature event, where work on the new dipping pond was started. Work on the pond is ongoing and nature enthusiasts are being encouraged to come along and join in its creation. Interested in taking part?

Call 01453 754424.

Keep up-to-date with the latest celebration events at www.museuminthepark.org.uk

PARK FLIES THE GREEN FLAG FOR 7th TIME! Stratford Park in Stroud has, for the seventh year running, been recognised as one of the country’s best green spaces, with a prestigious Green Flag Award. Green Flag Awards recognise and reward the best parks in the country, and Stratford Park stood out after impressing the judges with its excellent use of green space, well-maintained facilities and high standard of safety and security.

STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

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STROUD TARGET 2050 Stroud district’s Target 2050 exemplar homes project came to an end on 31st March 2010. This two year programme aimed to develop 20 low carbon exemplar homes from existing homes, typical of housing in the district. The families who took part reduced their carbon emissions by 34% on average, with the highest individual reduction a massive 58% - an amazing achievement in just 2 years.

Visit www.target2050.org.uk

STUBBING OUT LITTER Cigarette stubs are not only unsightly but cleaning them up is a costly and time consuming process. To encourage smokers to dispose of their cigarettes responsibly we recently installed seven cigarette bins throughout Stroud town centre. Following the success of these bins we have part funded a scheme with Stonehouse Town Council to install cigarette bins at four litter hotspots.

WATCH OUT! The council now has powers to issue on-the-spot fines for littering. Anyone seen dropping litter, such as cigarette butts, can be issued a fixed penalty notice and fined £75.

Are you ready for… ith any luck the weather is still warm at the moment but with winter around the corner it will soon be time to put on the woolly jumpers and crank the central heating up. Before the cold weather arrives check that your heating systems are running efficiently and consider ways to cut those energy bills:

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Here are a few top tips to get you started: • Get your boiler serviced – make sure your boiler is running efficiently • Fine-tune your central heating could save around 15% of your heating bill • Bleed your radiators - improves your heating efficiency instantly

• Insulate your loft and walls full loft insulation could save up to £205 per year, cavity wall insulation around £160 per year and solid wall insulation up to £500 per year!

• Check for draughts - draught proofing could save you £25 on you energy bills Visit www.energysavingtrust.org.uk for more tips and information or call 0800 512012

STATE-OF-THE-ART TOWN CENTRE LOOS UNVEILED Following an extensive makeover, Stroud town centre can now boast modern, eco friendly loos. Located in Bedford Street, the new toilet block has undergone a complete transformation including a new roof and a rainwater harvesting system. The new loos in Bedford Street are the latest in the council's £650,000 investment programme. Since 2002, public loos in Painswick, Stonehouse, Berkeley, Nailsworth, Minchinhampton and Stratford Park have all been refurbished to a very high standard. e been selected to 50 households in our district hav eme, trialling a new take part in a nationwide pilot sch vers. Under the Pay keo way to finance home energy ma up to £10,000 will of s ONE MAN’S RUBBISH… as you Save Scheme (PAYS) loan s which can be tion ova ren eco for pay to d IS ANOTHER’S TREASURE! vide be pro ngs made on energy savi ugh thro e tim r ove Our public spaces team is developing a project to involve k bac paid rgy assessments of ene full vide pro will erts furniture recycling charities with Exp . bills sumption can be con rgy ene how tify iden the council’s Pride in Your to es hom s until April 2011, run ch whi e, em sch The Neighbourhood events. The d. uce red rovements and a imp of t cos the s ard tow events include the collection of 40% s provide ners which can be eow hom to loan e -fre unwanted furniture and bulky rest inte 60% rs. items which usually end up in repaid over a period of 10-25 yea re information mo for k o.u a.c we w.s landfill. By working with the ww it Vis or call 01452 835060 relevant charities unwanted furniture can be passed on to those in need.

District leads way with ‘green loan’ scheme

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STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

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CANAL – KEY FACTS!

• The canal project Phase 1A will restore 7 miles of waterways between Brimscombe and Stonehouse • Stroud District Council is leading on the project

Day in the life of…

Undertaking the restoration of the Cotswold canals is the council’s biggest regeneration project to date. It’s a big job to restore the waterways to their former glory, so our canal volunteer manager is playing a key role in recruiting members of the community to help out. Never a dull moment in the world of canals, we followed Jon Pontefract on a typical day amongst the reeds…

It’s a Monday morning, and first up for Jon is the weekly canal project team meeting. Jon briefs the team on his latest project; to take on the restoration of Griffin Mill Lock at Thrupp, with the help of the Cotswold Canals Trust (CCT).

For Jon to put this plan into action he will need the help and expertise of the whole canal team. As the canal restoration has got underway the team has grown and now surveyors, contractors, engineers and fundraisers all make up the restoration squad.

After the meeting, Jon then settles down to do some work on Cotswold Canals Knowledge (www.cotswoldcanalsknowledge.org.uk), a hub for information which will provide a resource that can be used by local schools.

The long-term success of the canal relies on the support of the community so it is vital that young people are encouraged to take an interest and participate. With this in mind Jon has been working with volunteer officer, Alec Hughes. Alec has been helping Jon to develop youth volunteering, and this morning he has good news; Young Gloucestershire, a voluntary youth organisation, has agreed to provide a group of 16-24 years old for regular canal work.

Buoyed by this good news, Jon heads out of the office to Eastington to check in with a group of volunteers. Key to Jon’s role is not only recruiting the volunteers but also making sure that everything runs smoothly out on the canal banks. This meeting provides Jon with an opportunity to hear any concerns or ideas that

the volunteers have. One volunteer tells Jon that there is a fallen tree across the canal by Upper Mills Estate in Stonehouse. This will be an obstruction to the planned dredging, so Jon organises a team equipped with chainsaw and winches to remove the tree. This is done from both the bank and from on board a work punt, and soon the channel is clear again.

Back on dry land, the next stop is a visit to Stonehouse to meet the team from REACH Gloucestershire, an organisation that provides training for community payback offenders and the long-term unemployed. The REACH team is giving the towpath a total makeover and their hard work has really paid off, making the towpath a safe and pleasant place for all visitors to enjoy.

Finally it’s back on the road to Stroud to spend what’s left of the day at the new CCT Visitor Centre answering questions from the public about the canal project. Jon welcomes a varied bunch of interested members of the public and he manages to field all the questions thrown at him. The restoration of the canal is a big undertaking but the payback to the community will be huge, bringing economic, environment, heritage and leisure benefits to the whole district. Jon communicates this message well and never one to miss an opportunity, his enthusiasm helps him to sign up three new volunteers… not quite what they bargained for when they popped in for a chat but a worthwhile visit for all concerned!

• Main funders of the project are Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and the South West Regional Development Agency

CANAL PROJECT LATEST Since our last update there have been great strides made with the restoration, making a real difference to the look and feel of the canal: What’s been done: • rebuilding of Gough’s Orchard Lock,Brimscombe • vegetation cleared at Wallbridge and Bowbridge Work on-going: • repair of Ryeford Double Lock • The A46 bridge project is progressing well • Upgrading the towpaths at Stonehouse and Ebley

FOLLOW THE LATEST CANAL NEWS ON TWITTER: www.twitter.com/cotswoldcanals w w w. s t ro u d . g o v. u k

STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

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YPISP T )

(Young Person Info)

MEMBERS REUNITED Calling all ex- SDYC members! Stroud District Youth Council is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. A big reunion bash is being planned for early 2011.

If you’d like to go along and catch up with a few old faces call 01453 754504

RECYCLING BINS ROLLED OUT The cover story in the last edition of the SDCNews highlighted the innovative litter recycling bins launched by SDYC. After successfully trialling the bins in the Stroud area, the youth council secured funding from Stroud District Council and a further five recycling bins have now been installed across the district.

FRIDAY NIGHT FEVER – BOOGIE ON DOWN! The district’s 13 to 17 years olds can get their dancing feet moving at the regular Club 13-17 – Friday Night Fever event held every fortnight at Stroud nightclub, Junction 13. This popular event is going from strength to strength and offers young people the chance to make new friends and let their hair down in a friendly, relaxed and safe environment.

The nights, held on Fridays from 7-10pm, are run in partnership with SDC, the community safety partnership, police and youth groups, and with the support of NHS Gloucestershire.

SDYC youngest ever voting member troud District Youth Council (SDYC) welcomed its youngest ever voting member at the last council elections. At 12 years old, Millie Gardiner is the youngest member of the youth council to join the voting committee.

Stroud District Youth Council was founded in 2000 in order to give a democratic voice to young people. It is now recognised as the active voice of the 10,000 11-18 year olds in the Stroud district.

Youth councillors represent a diverse range of young people from different communities and social backgrounds. The council membership is drawn from local secondary schools, a further education college and an emerging number of local youth forums and projects.

For further information on SDYC call 01453 754504 or visit: www.youth.stroud.gov.uk

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CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK! Search for Stroud District Youth Council and keep up-to-date with all the latest news and discussions.

Youth council tackling crime A push bike and a mobile phone are probably the most valuable thing that many young people own. Unfortunately it also means that these are the possessions most likely to be stolen. To help tackle this SDYC has come up with an idea to deter the would-be thieves. The council has created cycle safety give-away packs and mobile phone tags. The cycle packs contain a bike lock, a UV identity pen and a bike safety card. The mobile phone tags warn that phones are linked to a registration disabling system.

The brainchild of SDYC, members applied for and successfully achieved external funding from the Youth Opportunity Fund and the police’s Basic Command Unit Fund. The safety packs will be handed out at community events.

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el. Memb ****** h Stroud’s new MP Neil Carmicha wit ng eti me a d ure sec has rights.

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STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

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INFO SPOT

IMPORTANT UPDATE: FREE TRAVEL FOR OVER 60s AND DISABLED April 2010 saw changes made to the concessionary travel scheme which offers FREE off-peak travel to pensioners and disabled people anywhere in England. The entitlement age for concessionary travel is rising from 60, eventually reaching 65 in 2020, in line with the increasing state pension age for women. To find out when you are eligible visit www.direct.gov.uk and enter you details into the state pension calculator. The eligibility for disabled residents will remain unaffected. Eligible residents can check out which bus routes they can travel on for free by visiting www.traveline.org.uk. Or you can apply for travel tokens which allow part or whole payment on local and national buses, trains and certain taxi or private hire operators.

For details of how to apply call 01453 754417, email con.fares@stroud.gov.uk or visit www.stroud.gov.uk/confares

BUSTING BOREDOM!

Interested in setting up an informal meeting group to support sufferers of memory loss and their carers? In partnership with NHS Gloucestershire, the Health and Wellbeing Partnership and the Stroud District Older Persons Forum, SDC is looking to help with the setting up of Memory Cafés in the district. The cafés will be important information hubs for people to make links with other carers and will prevent social isolation through friendships and professional help. The aim is for the cafés to be financially sustainable and placed in settings that are easily accessible on bus routes and for wheelchairs. If you are interested in starting a café please contact 01453 754177 or community.safety@stroud.gov.uk

WEB ONE-STOP SHOP FOR DISABILITY INFORMATION

A leaflet packed with details of clubs, services and activities for young people in Stroud has been created by our community safety team. Copies of the Boredom Busters leaflet are available from the neighbourhood wardens or from the town council offices in Stroud.

BORROW AN ENERGY MONITOR Worried about the rising costs of energy use and its damage to your pocket and the environment? Why not borrow an energy monitor and find out how much energy leaving those lights on really uses! A number of libraries throughout the district now have monitors which can be loaned out in the same way you borrow a book. The project, which has already been running for a year, has been such a success that it will soon be expanded to include a number of other libraries throughout the district.Visit: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries/ energy

WE ASKED…

SET UP A MEMORY CAFÉ

A fantastic new disability information website has been launched by SDC’s sports development team. The site is a ‘one-stop shop’ for anyone interested in finding information on a whole range on disability issues such as transport, benefits, sport and play, volunteering, education and much more.

Visit: www.disabilityinfo-strouddistrict.org.uk

PAY YOUR BILLS AUTOMATICALLY There are already a number of ways that you can pay your rent, council tax and invoices. Later this year we will be launching a new way – autopayment.You will be able to pay directly over the phone by entering your details via the phone key pad.

Payments can still be made via Direct Debit, online, on the phone, and in person.

Watch this space….

FRESH AND LOCAL The four farmers markets in the district are hugely popular and a great asset to the local economy.

Enjoy the great fresh, local produce and goods at: Stroud: Every Saturday 9am – 2pm (01453 758060) Dursley: Second Saturday of the month 8:30am – 1pm (01452 740401) Nailsworth: Fourth Saturday of the month 9am – 1 pm (01453 833043) Wotton-under-Edge: First Saturday of the month 9am – 1pm (01453 843210) For more information on each of the farmers markets visit www.visitthecotswolds.org.uk

RACE TO THE GLOUCESTERSHIRE LANDLORD EXPO 2010!

Now in its third year, the successful Gloucestershire Landlord Expo 2010 is going from strength to strength and this year the event is being held on 28th September at the county’s premier racing venue – Cheltenham Racecourse. A must attend event for any current or future landlords, there will be seminars, an expert panel and a huge range of exhibitor stands.

Visit www.stroud.gov.uk/landlord or call 01453 754449.

TUNE IN TO STROUD FM Stroud FM 107.9 is the district’s local community radio station. If you have a story or event to publicise, get in touch on 01453 757492, e-mail radio@stroudfm.co.uk, or drop in to 48C High Street, Stroud. It also runs radio training courses with Stroud College.

Call 01453 763424 to register today.

YOU SAID… …WE’VE DONE

A guide featuring information on how the council and its partners have responded to local issues has been created.

The Safer, Stronger Communities Partnership guide sets out how we have identified and tackled issues that concern our local communities. The comprehensive guide also provides information on council schemes and support services. Pick up a copy of Safer, Stronger Communities at local waiting areas such as doctors’ surgeries or download a copy at www.stroud.gov.uk/info/ssc.pdf

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STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS

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Helping you stay SAFE and WELL in your home…

FREE HOME SECURITY CHECKS Beat the burglars and get a FREE home security survey. After undertaking extensive training, the council’s neighbourhood wardens are now qualified to offer advice on securing homes and preventing burglaries. The survey, available to all residents, gives advice on how to make homes less attractive to potential burglars.

CARELINE PEACE OF MIND AROUND THE CLOCK Do you or your family wish to have security, reassurance and a degree of independence in the home? A Careline emergency alarm unit can offer you this through your telephone system: a small pendant worn around the neck or wrist, when pressed, will activate the Careline, automatically dialling a control room manned 24hrs a day. The operator will provide immediate help.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE An emergency information scheme ideal for anyone who feels vulnerable while living at home. The Message in a Bottle, is stored in the fridge and provides emergency services with vital details of any illness or allergy and provides them with a contact name if they are called to your home.

Available FREE of charge.

E.P.I.C. CARDS The free Emergency Personal Information Cards can provide important contact information to assist identification in an emergency hospital admission or in any other emergency situation.

The card contains details of the person’s name, two contact names in case of emergency, their GP’s name and telephone number.

STAY WARM AND WELL Is your home cold and draughty in the winter? If so, you and your home may be entitled to a number of fully or part-funded energy efficiency improvements through the Gloucestershire Warm and Well Scheme.

These improvements may include cavity wall insulation; loft insulation; draught proofing; high efficiency gas boilers; thermostatic radiator valves and heating controls. For more energy advice information or to book a free home survey call 0800 512 012 or visit: www.swea.co.uk and click ‘Warm and Well’

Call 01453 754276 or email community.safety@stroud.gov.uk