High streets in the district’s market towns will soon be twinkling with festive lights, thanks to a new fund from Stroud District Council (SDC).
New Christmas lights, walking trails, and initiatives to attract visitors are just some of the projects funded by the council to support its town centres.
In February 2024, SDC’s Strategy & Resources Committee allocated a one-off sum of £150,000, for locally led projects to support the district’s market towns during challenging economic times.
The Market Towns Vitality Fund aimed to breathe new life into high streets by backing parish and town council initiatives that address the unique priorities of each town.
Several projects are now underway, including improved Christmas lighting and decorations in Berkeley, Cam, Dursley, Stroud and Wotton-under-Edge; new notice boards and maps in Minchinhampton and Stroud; a new walking trail around Nailsworth with enhanced cycle paths and accessibility; and a leaflet to encourage tourism to the district.
A representative of Cam Parish Council said: The funding from Stroud District Council will give a wonderful boost to Cam’s Christmas lights! We’re proud of the lights which sparkle in the centre of Cam each year, but this funding means we’ve been able to purchase more which will be used for community buildings.
These celebration lights will be in place ready for our Christmas light switch-on at the end of November, but they will used each year and will be enjoyed by Cam residents and visitors alike. They will be appreciated by our whole community.”
A spokesperson from Dursley Town Council added:
‘We are pleased to have been awarded a grant of £12,000 to pay for an upgrade and improvements for the town’s annual Light Christmas display. Each year we have thousands of people who attend our traditional Christmas Lights switch-on event on the last Friday in November which is the start of festive trading for local businesses and shops.”
Cllr Catherine Braun, Leader of Stroud District Council said:
“Our Council Plan outlines our commitment to supporting high street businesses in the district, delivering local incentives to increase footfall, and growing a sustainable visitor economy.
"I’m delighted that we have collaborated with town and parish councils to deliver locally led projects that will make a tangible difference to the economy of our towns and the people who live, shop and do business there.”
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