Signs have been popping up across the Stroud District asking our communities to have a friendly chat with street furniture – yes, street furniture!
Signs have been going up around Paganhill, Stratford Park, Cam and Dursley asking residents if they want to talk. The Hello Lamp Post programme wants to find out peoples’ thoughts on things like energy costs and the local environment. It is hoped that people will share their top money saving tips as well as find out where there is support available for cost of living issues.
Georgia Spooner, SDC’s Climate Action Officer said she is excited to bring this to the district: “It’s a really simple and friendly way of starting a conversation with our communities about some of the big issues affecting them. All you have to do is scan the QR code on the sign or send a text and a specially designed bot will start up a conversation. We’ve even tailored it so you can help children have a conversation!”
Council Leader Catherine Braun welcomed the new approach: “We are always keen to try new things in our district and we are hoping our communities will get involved and share their thoughts with us,” she said. “The new Hello Lamp Post project is a great way to reach out and get peoples’ experiences first hand about a whole range of local issues. For example, the conversations can help people to find out about the support available for cost of living pressures, to share energy efficiency tips, as well as to chat about ideas people have to build a more sustainable future.”
Deputy Leader of the Council, Natalie Bennett, is encouraging people to get involved: “As elected officials, it’s our job to represent the communities we serve,” she said. “We want to make a difference for them and we are hoping this new approach will help us shape the work of the council going forward. If you see one of these signs, start the conversation – it is so important to ensure we hear everyone’s voice.”
More details including a location map is available on the council’s website at:
www.stroud.gov.uk/environment/building-a-sustainable-future-together/supporting-you/lets-talk-2030
