I AM coming to the end of my year as chairman of Stroud District Council.

I have enjoyed maintaining and fostering the well-deserved good name of the district.

Our constitution only provides for a term of one year.

Although in theory I could stand again it is not appropriate, for the significant reason that the chairman needs to be politically neutral.

It would mean that I could not vigorously campaign – as I would wish – to keep the Sub Rooms in Stroud firmly in public or charitable hands and away from private companies.

Certainly the freehold ownership of the building needs to be kept public.

It ought to be part of an arts and cultural strategy that serves the whole district. In addition I have long taken the view that the eventual decision needs to be aired and taken at full council rather than merely at a committee.

This is a matter of considerable public interest and is an issue for all councillors. Once I am freed of the obligations of chairman of council it will be easier to promote those views.

Finally, can I once again thank the people of the district for the honour of being chairman for this past year.

Councillor Norman Kay (Green)

Nailsworth