STROUD District Council leader Steve Lydon keeps you up to date with council matters

Thursday, August 3

Six neighbourhood wardens joined a group of canal volunteers for a day. They cut back and strimmed 750 metres of overgrown vegetation, leaving plenty of room for walkers, runners, and cyclists to enjoy.

It’s frequently said that without the canal volunteers there would be no canal project, and the volunteer team is always happy to hear from people to join them. Drop-in sessions take place at the visitor centre by Wallbridge Lock in Stroud every Tuesday and Thursday – meet at 10am.

In November we’ll be submitting a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund which would allow us to realise our long-term ambition to connect the canal to the national network.

Wednesday, August 9

Young people (and older people who work with young people) are invited to bid for a share of two funds totalling £45,000. The money has been set aside to fund projects that make a positive difference to young people.

The deadline for applications is September 1, and each one will be assessed by a panel of Stroud District Council Youth Council members. Full details: stroud.gov.uk/youthgrant

Saturday, August 12

Over 2,000 people in Stroud registered to vote just days before the deadline for the last General Election.

We’ll be sending out the forms in the post this week and even if you’re on the electoral register you still need to respond to either confirm or change your details. The easiest way by far is online, but you can send a text or call free if there are no changes to be made.

Sixteen and seventeen year olds can register too, which means that when they turn eighteen they will appear on the electoral roll.

If you’re not on the register, not only will you not be allowed to vote, it could also affect your ability to open a bank account, get credit, a loan or a mortgage.