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

Although we’ve seen Covid cases dipping slightly in recent weeks, cases are still high locally with the risk of hospitalisation remaining so it is important we continue to maintain safeguards.

Supporting businesses is one thing we can do as a council, so we are running a series of free seminars to help businesses keep employees and customers Covid-safe this winter.

During the winter months Covid-19 infections are likely to increase as people spend more time indoors, windows are closed to keep out the cold and ventilation rates are reduced.

Risk assessments must now identify how the current government Working Safely guidance can be implemented which will include the risk of Covid-19 spreading in the workplace.

The government guidance can be found here gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-covid-19

To help businesses plan for the winter Stroud District Council is running a series of half-day seminars throughout the district during November and December.

The course will cover topics including; Conducting Covid-19 risk assessments; Risk control measures for winter working; The role of vaccination, testing & Covid passes; The likelihood of Covid-19 transmission; The Government’s Plan B – what it means for businesses, event organisers and members of the public.

Up to two places per business can be booked, visit the following link for more information: stroud.gov.uk/news-archive/free-seminars-to-help-businesses-keep-employees-and-customers-covid-safe-this-winter

At 6pm on Tuesday, November 23 the Development Control Committee will be meeting to consider two applications, both in Dursley, one relating to the Littlecombe site, a residential development comprising 28 dwellings together with public open space, access, parking, landscaping and associated works.

The second is at Cambridge Avenue, an application brought by the SDC housing team for thirteen affordable houses, on the site of the former sheltered housing scheme.