All photos courtesy of Simon Pizzey. 

New Green councillors have celebrated their election to Stroud District Council.

The Greens made gains in Bisley, Chalford, Minchinhampton, Stroud Central and The Stanleys at Thursday's election, and also held onto the majority of seats won in 2016.

They will have 13 representatives on Stroud District Council, an increase of four, having been the only party to gain more than one seat at the election.

The Greens have been part of a cooperative alliance with Labour and the Liberal Democrats for the last five years and a similar relationship will almost certainly continue after no party won a majority.

READ MORE: Stroud District Council election results

Chloe Turner was elected as both a county and district councillor for Minchinhampton.

Cllr Chloe Turner. Photo: Simon Pizzey

Cllr Chloe Turner. Photo: Simon Pizzey

“I’m really excited about it. It feels like a green surge,” she said.

“I think there’s great appetite for our policies.

"We know the climate emergency and the state of nature are priorities and we know how to deliver the solutions. So people are ready to elect us."

Lucas Schoemaker held Stroud Trinity for the Greens.

Cllr Lucas Schoemaker. Photo: Simon Pizzey

Cllr Lucas Schoemaker. Photo: Simon Pizzey

“I’m absolutely elated for myself but also for the team that got me here," he said.

“Us Greens have got an agenda for climate justice and social justice.

“Stroud is the best place to live in the UK. We have got to keep that up."

Cllr Schoemaker also paid tribute to veteran Green campaigner John Marjoram, who he has replaced as councillor for Stroud Trinity.

“John has been the cornerstone of Stroud Greens for over 35 years. He managed to rope me in about 10 years ago.

“I hope I can fill those shoes to a certain extent," he said.

Stephen Hynd was elected in The Stanleys.

Cllr Stephen Hynd. Photo: Simon Pizzey

Cllr Stephen Hynd. Photo: Simon Pizzey

“I’m delighted. We have put a lot of work in in The Stanleys so it’s really pleasing that hard work has paid off," he said.

Cllr Hynd said he wanted to be a community champion, bring people together and try to get people involved in politics.

“It’s not something to absorb it’s something to have a stake in,” he said.

Beki Aldam held Thrupp for the Greens, replacing Martin Whiteside.

Cllr Beki Aldam. Photo: Simon Pizzey

Cllr Beki Aldam. Photo: Simon Pizzey

“Locally and nationally there’s a new wave. It’s really exciting,” she said.

“I think people are starting to realise what we can offer.

“I’m glad I didn’t disappoint Martin. He’s been a great help with my campaign.

“I want to continue the strong community feel we have and I am looking forward to working with councillors across the alliance.

“We are looking forward to getting the Brimscombe Port project off the ground.”

The rest of the Green group on Stroud District Council is made up of Martin Brown (Bisley), Chris Jockel and Tricia Watson (both Chalford), Martin Pearcey (Coaley and Uley), Norman Kay (Nailsworth), Jon Edmunds (Randwick, Whiteshill and Ruscombe), Kate Crews (Stroud Central), Martin Baxendale (Stroud Valley) and Catherine Braun (Wotton-under-Edge).