Dear all,

As I write this, the weather is improving, the days are getting longer and I am looking forward to eating too many Easter Eggs.

Since my last article the Council Tax Rate has been set. County Council set an increase of 4% that includes a ring- fenced 2% for Adult Care. Late in the process they received an additional Transitional Payment, which I am told will be allocated to Highways. Let’s hope that the constant requests to fix the potholes in and around Eastington are finally heard.

Stroud District Council set its increase at 1.99%. This was after what was undoubtedly a difficult budget session but the decision was made after what I thought was a very responsible debate and with much agreement. Unfortunately this was not continued when the same meeting then went on to discuss Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) and the Trade Union Bill, which whatever you think on these issues are not something Stroud District Council can do anything about or what I believe I was elected to discuss.

The new Green Waste Scheme is being rolled out and I would be interested in any feedback, positive or negative.

It is good to have got this far into this article without mentioning planning but it couldn’t last. On the Ecotricity proposal, I and others have asked that they extend the traffic modelling beyond Chipmans Platt Roundabout; having been very disappointed by the presentation they did at the recent Parish Council meeting. They have agreed to extend the traffic model but have given no timescales. I still have many concerns about this application including traffic and the need for additional employment sites beyond those identified in the recently approved Local Plan. I recently met with Jamie Mattock at County Highways to discuss my concerns.

Finally there are a number of Elections coming up,

May 5th: District Council where the whole Council is up for re-election. I will be standing to represent Eastington again, which will become part of the Severn Ward in the Boundary changes.

May 5th: Police and Crime Commissioners Election

June 23rd:  EU Referendum

If you are not currently on the Electoral Register you will need to register by the 18th April. You can do this at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote or call Stroud District Council Election Helpline 01453 754 886. If you require a Postal Vote the Deadline is 19th April.  

If you have any comments or questions, please contact me on:

cllr.stephen.davies@stroud.gov.uk or 07802 595307.

If you need anything else let me know.

Stephen....