STROUD is a vibrant town teeming with an eclectic mix of multi-talented people who never cease to amaze with their enthusiasm and skills.

Visitors often remark on what a fantastic place it is having picked up on the ambience and the energy and passion that exudes from our town.

And that’s all well and good once they have managed to get into Stroud after negotiating our mind-boggling one-way system.

But our main failing is our lack of enticement. We are hindered on many sides from the dilapidated Tricorn House to the grey, faceless concrete that pervades elsewhere.

And first impressions do count.

So we welcome the proposal to make Wallbridge a public space with benches and greenery being the first thing visitors see at this main gateway to the town.

The town council is backing the idea and 75 per cent of people who filled in 107 questionnaires were all in agreement with some very positive ideas coming forward which ranged from the planting of wild flowers to an annual sculpture competition with the winning entry taking pride of place on a plinth.

And the one thing everyone seemed to be in agreement about was the space should be as green as possible and open for the public.

The more we can do to stop people driving past Stroud on their way to somewhere else, the better.

Focusing on our gateways like this can only enhance those all important first impressions.

We know once people get here they will love it just as much as we do.

Perhaps once Wallbridge turns out to be a success the way will be paved to look at other parts of the town.