Column by the leader of Stroud District Council, Doina Cornell.

I’ve noticed how quiet the roads have been this past week, people really are taking this lockdown seriously, and it is making a difference as cases have dropped slightly in the Stroud district. Environmental Health Officers are stepping up efforts to help businesses, shoppers, and communities stay safe.

These are very difficult times for all of us and I would like to thank all those businesses which are working to serve their communities and keep everyone safe. Officers are also continuing to actively check compliance. Anyone can contact our Environmental Health team by emailing environmental.health@stroud.gov.uk or by calling 01453 766321 and pressing option 5. For more information, visit stroud.gov.uk/workingsafely

As well as businesses, our district has a strong voluntary and charitable sector which has really stepped up during the pandemic, despite the restrictions. Groups and voluntary organisations have just under two weeks left to apply for funds to help reduce inequality, promote wellbeing and support communities to recover in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Community Resilience and Wellbeing Grant aims to support community groups and voluntary organisations throughout the district. Applications must be made by noon on Friday, January 29.

For more details visit the SDC funding page stroud.gov.uk/community-and-living/community-funding-and-grants/community-resilience-wellbeing-grant or call 07976 314477.

This year for Holocaust Memorial Day, Stroud District Council will be holding an act of remembrance with Cheltenham Borough Council. Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) takes place on 27 January each year. Everyone is welcome to attend at 6.30pm on 27 January but please reserve your space on Eventbrite by 10am, Wednesday 27 January – details at stroud.gov.uk.