A REVAMP of Stonehouse High Street in 2011 has breathed new life into the bustling town set peacefully in the Five Valleys.

The High Street was overhauled in the style of the popular urban concept shared space – which encourages motorists to share the road with pedestrians.

This new look has allowed many independent shops to flourish alongside a range of appealing restaurants and coffee shops, including the well regarded Italian Restaurant La Piccola, The Gate of India, Wynn's Coffee Co and The Bay Tree. 

Great efforts have been made to make the High Street an attractive place to visit and the town was awarded a silver medal in Britain in Bloom 2016.

County councillor for Stonehouse Lesley Williams said: “Stonehouse has a number of reasons that make it a great place to be part of.

“Shopping is easy, as the town is ‘on the flat’.

“We have two butchers, a hardware shop, fruit and veg, a Polish deli and many other shops, along with takeaways and restaurants, and everyday needs are catered for.

“But, what really makes Stonehouse great is the people who live here – the spirit of community lives on in friendly caring people who love living in Stonehouse.”

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The town is also home to the independent school Wycliffe College, which comprises a nursery school for ages two to 14 stroudnewsandjournal.co.uk Wednesday March 22, 2017 four, a preparatory school for ages four to 13, and a senior school catering for ages 13–18.

The school regularly appears in The Good Schools Guide, which says: “Wycliffe offers a way of life as much as an education.

“That the Wycliffe experience breeds the confidence and openness is evident in its pupils.

“Definitely hotting up academically under the new head, but still faithful to its broad academic ability range. At present, it is doing a remarkable job of being ‘all things to all men’ – and women. A real gem of a school.”

Wycliffe has a notable list of former alumni including Gloucester and England rugby player Charlie Sharples, Glamorgan and England cricketer Gilbert Parkhouse, actor William Moseley and presenter of BBC Breakfast Charlie Stayt.

Stonehouse also hosts a number of events and festivals including: Stonehouse Goodwill Fest in December, which offers people the chance to taste seasonal food and drink, enjoy music and get into the spirit of Christmas; The Stonehouse Duck Race, first heldin 2016, and; Stonehouse Arts & Paint Town Pink Week, with much of the town turning pink in support of breast cancer charities while unveiling quirky and alternative artworks.

There are brilliant transport links from Stonehouse, with direct lines to London and Cheltenham, with a journey time of just 1 hour 40 minutes into London Paddington. There are also regular buses running to Stroud and Gloucester.

The nearby canal offers opportunities for peaceful and picturesque walks.

Stonehouse is also at the centre of two exciting, potential developments. Ecotricity has applied to Stroud District Council for planning permission to create a £100million Eco Park which will include creating stateof- the-arts sporting facilities, much of which will be open to the public, plus a new 5,000 capacity stadium and training pitches for Forest Green Rovers.

The other half would comprise a sustainably built green technology business park capable of hosting up to 4,000 workers.

A 1,350-house development West of Stonehouse has been approved in outline by the council.

Sally Pickering, chief officer for the Citizens Advice Bureau in Stroud and a resident of Stonehouse, believes there aren’t many communities quite like it.

“Stonehouse is unique in the fact that everyone you meet is so friendly,” she said.

“Very rarely will people not stop for a chat and everyone gets to know everyone.

“We have everything you need in Stonehouse, with a brilliant High Street, easy access to Stroud, a direct train line to London and beautiful countryside walks on our doorstep.

“I have no reason to move anywhere else.”

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