Dear Editor,
I’m writing to throw my full support behind Stroud Town Council’s plans to relocate its operations to the Locking Hill surgery site.
I have walked past this space for the last two years and wondered what, if anything might happen here.
It is such a key location in the town, with accessible entrances and good on site parking that it can only be of huge benefit to the town to have their council offices based there.
As the demands passed down to town and Parish councils by the government have grown, Thanet House, the current home of the Town Council is looking increasing ill-equipped to cope with the need for greater accessibility, meeting spaces, facilities, even decent public toilets. All of these needs can be met by relocating to Locking Hill.
I look at this proposal and I can only see a fantastic opportunity for community growth, with the potential for CAB, health and banking drop-ins, food and debt services, community hub co-ordination, social prescribing and one-to-one meeting spaces, great on-site parking and easy access to the building for all in a central location. A site that will draw trade further along Lansdown and boost the offering that Stroud can make to visitors, in addition to freeing up Thanet house as a shop front for an enterprising business.
According to the council tax precept calculations, this would be 13p a week (for a Band D taxpayer) very well spent and it would benefit everyone, particularly those that depend on the town council’s help the most.
Cllr Robin Layfield
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Member Champion
Stroud District Council
