IT IS wonderful to see Stroud District Council’s ‘Natural Flood Management’ project scoop a national award for innovation (SNJ 10/03/2017).

The four years of work on the brooks and streams above Stroud to ‘slow the flow’ (particularly in the Slad and Painswick Valley) are now paying off with increased protection and security being provided to families and residents in Stroud at minimal cost by this green infrastructure.

Cllr Sarah Lunnon (Green, Stroud Central) has been central to the project, having been involved since 2007 and played a critical role ensuring the Frome Catchment gained a pilot status and then grant funding.

This innovative scheme, the result of Stroud District Council working with the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and the County Council has been enthusiastically backed by Councillors of all political parties working in cooperation.

This scheme shows the benefits of working with nature to provide safe homes and protect our countryside.

It also shows that where there is a will, organisations and political parties can work together to get things done.

Congratulations to all.

Eva Ward
Green Party candidate, Stroud Central Division for GCC
Alan Mossman
Green Party candidate, Bisley & Painswick Division for GCC