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Residents across the district are being encouraged to swap paving slabs for plants as part of a new garden de-paving campaign from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, supported by Stroud District Council.

Known as Tile Whipping, the campaign helps people remove unwanted paving, patios and other hard garden surfaces and replace them with soil, plants, gravel or other natural materials that allow rainwater to soak into the ground.

As part of the campaign, Stroud District Council is funding a free collection service for up to 2m2 of paving slabs and rubble removed by residents, making it easier for people to get involved.

The service is being offered as a trial for a limited number of eligible properties in Stroud and several surrounding towns and villages, including Stonehouse, Leonard Stanley, Nailsworth, Minchinhampton and Nailsworth, to test demand and measure the benefits of de-paving in local communities. 

Tile Whipping takes its name from the Dutch word tegelwippen, a nationwide effort in the Netherlands where millions of paving slabs have been replaced with plants to create greener, more wildlife-friendly places.

Removing hard surfaces can make a real difference. When rain falls on paving and concrete, water quickly runs into drains, which can increase pressure on drainage systems during heavy rainfall. By creating more permeable spaces, rainwater can soak naturally into the ground, helping to reduce surface water flooding, replenish groundwater supplies and improve water quality.

At the same time, replacing paving with planting creates valuable habitats for wildlife, including bees, butterflies and birds. Greener spaces can also help keep our towns and neighbourhoods cooler during hot weather.

Councillor Martin Pearcy, Stroud District Council's Chair of Environment Committee, said:

“Even a small change in your garden can make a big difference. By removing a few paving slabs and replacing them with plants, residents can help support wildlife, improve drainage and make their outdoor space greener and more attractive. 

“One garden alone may seem a small step, but if many residents take part, together we can create a network of wildlife-friendly spaces across the district and help reduce the impact of heavy rainfall. 

“We're pleased to be working with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and funding the free collection service to help more people get involved."

Tabitha George, Waterscapes Project Co-ordinator, said: 

“We’re asking you to take a small step to help wildlife in Stroud, and to reduce the risk of surface water flooding in your area.

“By working together, taking up one slab, planting one flower, we can make a huge difference for the future of Stroud.”

The project supports SDC’s Council Plan objective to build the district’s Nature Recovery Network.

Residents can find advice on how to de-pave their garden or driveway, check eligibility and sign up for the free collection service: www.gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/depaving

Sign up to email alerts from Stroud District Council here.

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Gloucestershire's new single council will be called Gloucestershire Council, the Government has confirmed – marking another defining moment in the reorganisation of councils in the county. 

Ministers have also confirmed that the new authority will be represented by 110 councillors. 

Confirmation of the name and number of councillors for the new council came in a letter to chief executives and follows the Government’s decision to create one unitary authority, which was announced last week.  

Responses to a consultation run by the Government were also published this week revealing that 65 per cent of partners and residents who responded expressed a preference for a single unitary authority in the county. 

Gloucestershire Council will bring together the services currently delivered by the county council and six district, borough and city councils, into a single organisation serving communities across Gloucestershire. 

In that letter, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government set out next steps in respect of the Structural Change Order. This is the legislation that will establish Gloucestershire Council, replacing the existing seven councils. 

In June, councils in Gloucestershire submitted representations to Government on key parts of the Order, which included the proposed name, number of councillors, senior responsible officer and implementation arrangements. 

In addition to now confirming the name and number of councillors, the Government has confirmed that a Joint Committee, with elected-member representation from all of Gloucestershire’s existing councils, will be established to oversee preparations for the new authority. It will comprise of 12 councillors, six from Gloucestershire County Council and the one from each of the district, borough and city councils. 

It has also confirmed that the implementation programme will be supported by a dedicated team of officers from every council. This team will be led by Jo Walker, Chief Executive of Gloucestershire County Council, who has been appointed Senior Responsible Officer for the transition after being nominated by councils. 

Jo said: “Confirmation of the name Gloucestershire Council is a small but very significant moment in this process, following the representations made by most councils in June.  

"A great deal of work now lies ahead to bring services from seven councils together and ensure a smooth transition. For now, nothing changes; all seven existing councils continue to deliver services as normal.  

“Meanwhile behind-the-scenes, officers across all seven councils will continue to focus on developing proposals and laying the groundwork to build a new, modern, community focused organisation. The aim is to deliver more joined up local services, making it easier for people to understand how they access support and engage with their council. 

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape local government in Gloucestershire. We will continue to work closely with councillors, staff, partners, residents and communities, keeping them informed and involved, as we prepare for the launch of Gloucestershire Council in 2028." 

The Government has also confirmed that elections to a new shadow council will take place in May 2027, replacing any elections that would otherwise be scheduled for existing councils in Gloucestershire.  

The shadow authority will prepare for the new council's formal launch in April 2028, including setting budgets, policies and governance arrangements. 

Further details for the Structural Change Order, including ward boundaries and arrangements for parish elections, will be considered in the coming weeks before the legislation is put before Parliament in the winter.

“I was excited to visit the new Charfield Station last week and see it taking shape ahead of the planned opening in spring 2027. This major investment will give residents in the south of the district easier access to rail services, jobs, education and leisure opportunities across the region.

We want to build on that sustainable travel opportunity through the proposed Wotton-under-Edge to Charfield Greenway. This traffic-free route would help people walk, wheel and cycle safely to the station while linking communities, businesses and local facilities. Community leaders and project partners recently reviewed the latest plans, and it was inspiring to see how years of partnership working between councils, councillors, community groups and the Walk Wheel Cycle Trust are moving the idea forward. The next stages will include planning and funding opportunities.

There is more good news locally: the newly completed Bonds Mill Lift Bridge near Stonehouse has been shortlisted for the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) South West People’s Choice Award, which celebrates projects that make a real difference through engineering, sustainability and partnership.

The bridge is a major milestone for the Council and our Cotswold Canals Connected partners. It was great to see it in action recently, with the first boats to pass through belonging to Cotswold Boatmobility, our local accessible boating charity. The canal restoration partnership won an ICE Award in 2022 for Ocean Bridge, and it would be wonderful to see another local success. Voting is open until 28 August and only takes a moment. 

Finally, as residents and visitors enjoy our commons this summer, please take extra care during dry weather. Even a small spark can spread quickly, putting wildlife, livestock and people at risk. Please avoid all fires, take litter home, dispose of cigarettes and vapes safely. Simple precautions will help keep our commons safe, beautiful and thriving for everyone.”

Cllr Chloe Turner, leader of Stroud District Council