LOTS OF INFORMATION ON THIS PAGE - Hover to select your choice

Bus Services  in Gloucestershire	EMERGENCY/IMPORTANT INFORMATION	Access Guide & Information
DOGGY ISSUES	REPORT IT!!	NEIGHBOURHOOD WARDEN
ST GEORGE'S DAY  23RD APRIL	Stanleys' Waste Trial	THINKING OF BEING A COUNCILLOR?
GRANTS	A Guide to Home Security	Home-Start (family support service)
HOSPITALS, HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE	Patient Advisory Service	Meals on Wheels & related
Gardening Assistance Scheme	STREET LIGHTING	Junk Mail & PhoneCalls
GARDEN SWAP SERVICE?	http://www.cotswoldcanals.com/	SDC INFORMATION - a few basics including Environment Agency..
Selsley Gardening Club	CALOR VILLAGE OF THE YEAR!	PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY
GLOUCESTERSHIRE_WILDLIFE_TRUST INCLUDES COMPOSTING INFORMATION	Stroud Volunteer Centre (Ring & Ride)  Now Volunteer & Community Action	Stroud District Council Statement of Community Involvement                   Adopted Nov 2007
Garden Bonfires/rubbish disposal	Children's Logo Competition Entries	GCC Highways' Weed Spraying Policy        + Dangers of RAGWORT!
Nuclear  Waste	NOISE PROBLEMS?	LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
Drugs & Alcohol	LOCAL HEROES	SDC PLANNING WEBSITE LINKS

TRAFFIC CALMING CONSULTATION RYEFORD BRIDGE 

Proposed Priority Signing and Cycle Lane Scheme – Ryeford Bridge

KSPC WAS CONSULTED BY GCC ON FRIDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2008 AT VERY SHORT NOTICE AS THEY WISH TO IMPLEMENT A TRAFFIC CALMING SCHEME OVER THE BRIDGE ALONG THE RYEFORD ROAD BY THE END OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.  KSPC HAS BEEN CAMPAIGNING FOR YEARS FOR SOME TC MEASURES BUT HAS NEVER BEFORE SEEN ANY PLANS/PROPOSALS.  KSPC HAS ENSURED THAT CERTAIN INTERESTED GROUPS/PARTIES HAVE THEIR CHANCE TO COMMENT AND HAS ARRANGED A SITE MEETING IN THE NEW YEAR.  IN THE LIGHT OF THOSE ARRANGEMENTS IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT SOME ALTERATIONS WILL BE MADE.  IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GCC'S PROPOSALS YOU CAN VIEW THE PDF FILE HERE:

 

NB THE POLICE & SAFETY AUDIT TEAM WILL NOT SUPPORT GCC'S PROPOSALS BUT A SITE MTG HAS BEEN CALLED FOR BY KSPC TO EXPLORE OPTIONS - WE STILL HOPE THAT WE WILL GET SOMETHING IN PLACE SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.  WHAT STARTED ORIGINALLY AS A DESIRE TO SEE THAT PEDESTRIANS WERE PROTECTED HAS NOW GROWN INTO THE NEED TO PROTECT CYCLISTS TOO.  FINGERS CROSSED SOMETHING CAN BE ACHIEVED THAT WILL PROTECT BOTH THESE VULNERABLE GROUPS - THE POLICE LINE IS THAT THERE HAS NOT BEEN MUCH OF AN ACCIDENT RECORD, BUT WE DO NOT WISH TO WAIT UNTIL THERE IS!

 

A site meeting was held on Friday 9th January near Ryeford Bridge to hear what the Police and Safety Audit Team had to say - and to hopefully enable GCC working with GH to come up with an acceptable scheme.  This is likely to be less, rather than more, with white lining on the edges and removal of centre white lines to educate drivers into taking a more cautious approach, especially when there are other road users (cyclists and pedestrians) about.  There is, they say, little that can be done to stop the determined speedster when the road is clear.  Drivers in their experience are much more careful the more traffic there is.  I am afraid that there was no support from them for traffic lights or any other imposed system of priority giving or build outs.  Their experience is that they are not generally well accepted and can actually make life more difficult for "other road users".

We stood there in the bitter cold and asked them about all sorts of possibilities but there are so many constraints on that stretch of road that there is very little that can be done apart from the white lining and some minor side tinkering with the pavement near Coach House to make the road appear narrower leading onto the Bridge.  We did also point out just how DARK it is opposite Coach House and Brook House for pedestrians particularly, just where the pavement gives way to the Coach House entrance.  They are already embarked on a look at the lighting in conjunction with any scheme going forward so hopefully they took note of what we said.  There are also issues with the height of the road now and the flooding which occurs thereabouts.  A separate team is looking at this.

A new scheme has now been drawn up which has been submitted to the Police and Safety Audit Team before coming back to the Parish Council.

If you have any correspondence for Gloucestershire Highways, they are at Imperial Gate, Corinium Avenue, Barnwood, Gloucester, GL4 3BW or contact GCC via www.gloucestershire.gov.uk or any complaints about our roads Tel:   08000 514514   or email highways@gloucestershire.gov.uk    

 

 

 

 

The Stroud & District Access Group has produced an access guide for Stroud Town, Stonehouse Town and more besides - a forum for anyone interested in pursuing greater access for all. 

The information contained in this section can only be updated when advised by the Access Group.

It is offered here in good faith that it is up to date but no responsibility is accepted for any inaccuracies.

Much of the information however will always remain relevant and of interest to visitors.

 

http://community.stroud.gov.uk/accessgroup

 

The following information is taken from the original Stonehouse access guide and is included here because Stonehouse is closer to Kings Stanley than Stroud.  Changes will always occur in the business community, so if you need accurate information please visit the Access Guide's own website or consult the listings at the end of this section for further contact details.

 ACCESS GUIDE OF

 STONEHOUSE TOWN CENTRE

The Stonehouse guide is also available in Audio CD Format and Daisy/MP3 CDs and copies can be borrowed from Kings Stanley Parish Council by telephoning 01453 825660.

 Sponsored by:

 STONEHOUSE TOWN COUNCIL

KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL

LEONARD STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL

STROUD LOCAL STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP 

 

The information reproduced here is from published brochures that are being made available in various places in the communities.  Text versions can be obtained in Kings Stanley from the Co-op and the foyer of Kings Stanley Village Hall.

CONTENTS

FOREWORD                                                                         

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS                                                   

HOW TO GET TO  STONEHOUSE                                                                                

FACTS ABOUT STONEHOUSE                                                                               

PARKING                                                           

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS                                   

CHURCHES                                                                          

HOSPITALS                                                                         

HOTELS and ACCOMMODATION                                   

LEISURE and ENTERTAINMENT                                     

NEARBY PLACES TO VISIT                                             

RECREATION GROUNDS                                                      

RESIDENTIAL CARE and NURSING HOMES               

SCHOOLS                                                                                 

THE TOWN GUIDE                                                            

NOTE:

The inclusion of business premises and service providers in this guide is based purely on ease of access, and has no bearing on the standards of service provided by these establishments.

All information is, to the best of our knowledge, correct and accurate at the time of printing.

FOREWORD

The research and surveying that forms the basis for this guide was carried out by local disabled people.  Their dedication and ongoing commitment should be commended, and I know that the support given by the public and traders has gained a greater understanding of access issues encountered on a daily basis by the disabled.

Our surveying team wishes to pay tribute to all of those who welcomed them and a special thank you to those that have adapted their premises in order to improve access, not only for those with a disability, but also for others, such as mothers with prams or pushchairs.

It is hoped that this guide will help you enjoy your visit to Stonehouse and its surrounding countryside.  There are many more interesting places to visit than we have space for here, but we hope we have given you an insight into what this lovely part of the Cotswolds has to offer.

Phil Hughes

Chairman: Stroud and District Access Group.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Stroud and District Access Group gratefully acknowledges the encouragement and support given by the following in the preparation of this guide: 

§        Stonehouse Town Council

§        Kings Stanley Parish Council

§        Leonard Stanley Parish Council

§        Stroud Local Strategic Partnership

 HOW TO GET TO STONEHOUSE

By Car

From the M5 leave at junction 13 then follow the signs for Stonehouse along the A419.

 

From the M4 leave at junction 15 joining the A419 by-passing Swindon, Cirencester and Stroud, through to Stonehouse.

 

By Train:

There are direct services from Stonehouse to London Paddington in one direction, and to Gloucester in the other.

Connections are available from Gloucester to Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff and beyond.

For more information call the National Rail Enquiry Service

Telephone: 08457 484 950

Website:  www.nationalrail.co.uk

 

By bus

Local services are provided by a number of operators including Stagecoach in the Cotswolds.

Timetable information line

Telephone: 01452 425 543

 

 For National services from Stroud

Telephone: 08705 80 80 80

 Traveline

Telephone: 08706 082 608

 

FACTS ABOUT STONEHOUSE

Stonehouse is in a rural location on the River Frome, just as it enters the Severn Vale, being 9 miles south of Gloucester, 30 miles north of Bristol, and two miles from the M5.

Stonehouse appears in William the Conqueror’s Domesday Book of 1086 in the Old English version of the name “Stanhus”, so called because the Manor House was built here of stone instead of the Usual wattle and daub.  Happily, the Manor House is still to be seen in the form of Stonehouse Court Hotel, which, with the neighbouring church, forms the historical heart of the town by the side of the canal.

PARKING

There are no parking charges for disabled persons displaying a valid blue badge in the main car park located in the High Street, (92 spaces: 4 disabled) or in the disabled bays on the road.

 Public toilets are located in this car park, radar key needed for disabled, family toilet available also.

USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Tourist Information Centre              Telephone: 01453 760 960

Car Parking Information              Telephone: 01453 753 412

Stagecoach                              Telephone: 01453 763 421

Stonehouse Town Council              Telephone: 01453 822 070

Kings Stanley Parish Council             Telephone: 01453 825 660

  Leonard Stanley Parish Council           Telephone: 01453 758 093

Stroud District Council              Telephone: 01453 766 321

Stroud General Hospital              Telephone: 01453 562 200

Stonehouse Police Station              Telephone: 0845 090 1234

 Stonehouse Post Office              Telephone: 01453 822 430

 Gloucestershire Royal Hospital              Telephone: 0845 422 222

 Stroud and District Access Group              Telephone: 01453 758716

 

 

CHURCHES

BETHEL CHURCH, Bath Road: ramped access, hearing loop, car park.

WYCLIFFE CHAPEL, Bath Road

STONEHOUSE BAPTIST CHURCH, Gloucester Road: main entrance four steps, disabled access via ramp to side door, car parking.

ST JOSEPH’S RC CHURCH, Oldends Lane: car parking, ramped access, disabled toilet.

NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP (Evangelical): meet at the Scout Hut, Oldends Lane.

ST CYR’S C of E CHURCH,  Church Lane: limited parking in lane, level approach.

 METHODIST CHURCH, Park Road: level access.

 

HOSPITALS

STROUD GENERAL HOSPITAL, Trinity Road, Stroud   Telephone: 01453 562 220

Casualty entrance ramped from kerb to entrance door, blue badge parking only in marked bays within Hospital grounds. Main car parking in Hospital car park, Bowbridge Lane.  Main Reception entrance (at other end of building) level access lift to upper level.  Wheelchair accessible toilets.

 STROUD MATERNITY HOSPITAL, Field Road, Stroud   Telephone: 01453 562 140                       Car parking, level access.

 GLOUCESTERSHIRE ROYAL HOSPITAL, Great Western Road, Gloucester   Tel: 0845 422 2222, car parking, level access, disabled toilets.

 HOTELS and ACCOMMODATION

A guide to inspected accommodation in the District is available from Stroud Tourist Information Centre

Telephone: 01453 760 960

 

LEISURE and ENTERTAINMENT

STONEHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE, Laburnum Walk

Telephone: 01453 823 241

 

Car parking, level access, toilets.

Regular users include Ballet and Tap Dancing, Diabetic Support Group, Friendly Circle, Karate, Orchard Court Residents, Pensioners’ Club, Pop-In, RBL (Women’s Section), Severn Valley Dog Club, Stonehouse Dog Training Club, Wine Circle, Women’s Institute, Stroud and District Canine Society, British Legion, Caged Birds Society, Weight Watchers, Luncheon Club and Spiritual Awareness.

 

The Office is usually open between  09:00 and 11:00, all other times there is an answering service.

 

MAIDENHILL RECREATION CENTRE, Maidenhill School

Telephone: 01453 824 366

 

Open Monday to Friday

18:00  to  22:30  (closed Sat)

Sunday 10:00  to 14:00

Includes badminton court, table tennis court, gymnasium, fitness suite, outside 5-aside, tennis and netball courts, sports hall, dance studio, showering facilities, fully air conditioned.  Car parking, level access.

 COUNTY LIBRARY

Elm Road: level access, spacious interior, wheelchair accessible computer, talking books and ASW, Super nova magnification/speech system available for loan, small car park.

 

Hours of Opening

Monday and Wednesday  10:00 to 13:00 and 14:00 to 17:00

Thursday 14:00 to 19:00

Saturday  09:30 to 12:30

Helpful friendly staff.

 

MAGPIES SPORTS and SOCIAL CLUB

 Oldends Lane: car parking, one small step, skittle alley and function rooms for hire.

 

STONEHOUSE YOUTH CLUB

Elm Road: ramped access.

 

NEARBY PLACES OF INTEREST TO VISIT:

ROCOCO GARDENS, PAINSWICK

Telephone: 01452 813 024.

(approximately 7 miles from Stonehouse on the A46 direction of Cheltenham)

A magical 6 acre garden with its spectacular spring snowdrops and interesting architectural garden structures, wild flowers, ponds, large kitchen garden and old fashioned herbaceous border, which add to its romantic charm all year round.  Restaurant, shop and toilet all accessible, however access to parts of the garden can be difficult, but a viewing gallery has now been installed.

 

WOODCHESTER MANSION

Telephone: 01453 861 541.

(approximately 5 miles south of Stonehouse)

 

The Mansion is situated in Woodchester Park, a site of Special Scientific Interest which belongs to the National Trust.  The entrance to Woodchester Mansion is near Nympsfield and the Coaley Peak viewing point on the B4066 between Stroud and Dursley.  There is no access from the village of Woodchester off the A46.  Visitors may walk down the one mile track from the car park or use the free minibus service.

 

 BERKELEY CASTLE

Telephone: 01453 810 332.

(just off the A38 midway between Bristol and Gloucester, 10 mins from M5 junction 13 or 14)

 

 The oldest Castle in Britain to be lived in by the same family for nearly 900 years.  Due to the nature of the building disabled access to the Castle and Gardens is limited, no wheelchair access except to the Inner Courtyard and the Butterfly House. For more information

 

 SLIMBRIDGE WILDFOWL and WETLAND TRUST

Telephone: 01453 891 900

(located between Bristol and Gloucester follow signs from M5 Junction  13 or 14)

The world famous water bird site, which has access throughout the centre including bird hides, restaurant and toilets.  Wheelchairs are available, hearing and guide dogs by prior appointment.

  

SELSLEY COMMON

Famous for its views, together with Selsley Village, Leonard Stanley village and Kings Stanley village, where you can find a variety of shops and services.

 For further leisure and entertainment facilities within easy reach of Stonehouse, please contact Stroud Tourist Information Centre

Telephone: 01453 760 960

RECREATION GROUNDS

Recreation Ground, Oldends Lane 

Recreation Ground, Verney Fields, off Meadow Road

Recreation Ground, Stagholt, opposite Horsemarling Lane

 Recreation Ground, Laburnum Walk, next to Community Centre

 

 

RESIDENTIAL CARE and NURSING HOMES

THE ELMS RESIDENTIAL HOME The Order of St John Care Trust, Elm Road

45 bed nursing home for 65 years or over, car parking, automatic door entry, lift to upper floor, hairdressing salon, courtyards, full range of activities, respite care facility, all fully accessible, helpful friendly staff.

 

REGENCY RETIREMENT HOME

Regent Street, car parking, level access, gardens, lift to upper floor , annexe with stair lift, helpful friendly staff.

 MORETON HILL CARE CENTRE

24 hour nursing and residential care home for 62 residents, car parking, level access, fully disabled friendly, gardens with panoramic views, helpful friendly staff.

SCHOOLS

PARK INFANT SCHOOL and EARLY YEARS CENTRE, Elm Road

Quality provision for families and children from birth to 11 years, working together all on one site, car parking, friendly staff.

 

PARK JUNIOR SCHOOL, Elm Road

As above

 

MAIDENHILL COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL, Kings Road

Where all pupils are valued as individuals and, as a result, they respond very positively to their time here. Car parking, main entrance one step, side entrance level access, lift to upper floor, disabled toilet, friendly staff.

 

THE SHRUBBERIES SCHOOL, Oldends Lane

Caters for children and young people with special educational needs between the ages of 2 and 19 years, accommodating up to 90 pupils.  Car parking, level access and fully disabled facilities, helpful friendly staff.

 

 

HOPELANDS PREPARATORY SCHOOL, Regent Street

Founded 52 years ago, whose vision was to have a school that encouraged pupils to learn together in an environment of strong family values with emphasis on inclusion for all, currently having just over 60 pupils ranging from three to eleven years of age.  There is ramped access from the pavement with level access into the building, helpful friendly staff.

 

WYCLIFFE COLLEGE

(also Wycliffe Preparatory School and Wycliffe Nursery)

Has a strong connection to Stonehouse, where Wycliffe Chapel is often mistaken for the Parish Church. Wycliffe was established in 1882 by George W. Sibly, a Methodist and founder  of Queens College Taunton, and it rapidly gained a reputation for self help.  The School’s ethos offers individual development to each pupil in the academic, personal and extra curricular spheres of their lives.  Pupils are valued for the individuality and challenged to be original in their thinking and learning styles.  Car parking, level access, helpful staff.

 

 BATH ROAD

(from A419 Horse Trough Roundabout towards Town Centre on left hand side)

WYCLIFFE COLLEGE CHAPEL

 MANE Hairdresser

Ramped access, step down to interior, closed Monday.

REGENT HOUSE – Logic Solutions.

BRIAN SMITH PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

Two steps, spacious interior, helpful staff.

ENTRANCE TO REGENT STREET

 HIGH STREET

WOOLPACK INN Public House, car park, ramped access, pool table, garden, food available, toilets, helpful staff.

 ELGIN MALL – BAILEYS NEWSAGENT and GIFTS, ramped access to property, level access, spacious interior, helpful staff.

NORVILLE OPTICIANS, ramped access to property, level access, ground level consulting rooms, spacious interior, helpful staff.

THE GATE OF INDIA Restaurant and takeaway, side ramped access, wide door, licensed, toilets.  Helpful friendly staff.

Open

12:00 noon to 2:00 pm

6:00 pm to midnight

VACANT SHOP(re-opened as: TBA)

OFFICE STOP, Stationers, two steps, helpful staff.

LOCATION, Estate Agents, small step, heavy door, spacious interior, helpful staff.

A1 MOTORSPARES, Motor spares and accessories, bikes, key cutting, level access, tight interior, helpful staff.

NATIONAL WESTMINSTER BANK, ramped access, automatic key pad door, open interior,  assistance bell, hearing loop, small car park, helpful staff.

 HALIFAX, Estate Agents, level access, push pad door, low desks, wide interior, helpful staff.

CO-OP FUNERAL SERVICE, one step to entrance, open interior, helpful staff.

 CO-OP TRAVEL, level access, open interior, low desks, bureau de change, hearing loop for kiosk only, helpful staff.

 CO-OP SUPERMARKET, two entrances – front via steps, side through automatic door, level access, wide aisles, cash machine, small car park, helpful staff.

 TUDOR TANDOORI, Takeaway meals.

 BROOMHALL, Butchers, two steps, wide doors, helpful staff.

APPERLEYS BAKERY, Wedding cakes, all home baking on premises, eat in or out, small step to enter, customer toilet downstairs, helpful staff.

MAGNIFICENT WOK, Chinese takeaway, level access, spacious interior.

PARKERS, Estate Agents, small step, tight angled entrance, helpful staff.

VACANT SHOP

READ and CO, three steps

ORCHARD PLACE

(off High Street)

CORN CRISP

 HIGH STREET (continued)

L A HURN, Domestic Appliance specialist, service and repairs, flat level access, home visits, on line shop.  Helpful staff. Website:  www.lahurn.co.uk

THE PERFECT GIFT, Gift shop and greeting cards, one small step, helpful staff.

CHOICES, Ladies and Children’s wear, level access, tight interior, helpful staff.

US DENIM, Boys and Mens wear, flat level access, helpful staff.

WHOLE HEARTED, Wholefood shop and takeaway, flat level access, helpful staff.

 IFP MORTGAGES LTD, Independent Financial planning, flat level access.

 SAWYERS, Estate Agents and lettings, level access, wide accessible doors, spacious interior, home visits on request, helpful staff.

THE BAY TREE, Café/ tea room and restaurant, one step.

 M D HUGHES and PARTNERS, Consulting civil and structural engineers, up flight of stairs.

BARCLAYS BANK, level access, push pad automatic door, spacious interior, hearing loop, portable loop, helpful staff.

THE LOCAL, Off Licence, one large step, large spacious interior.

FISHING TACKLE, full range of fishing equipment, flat level access, spacious interior, helpful staff.

 ORCHARD PLACE

(off High Street)

STONEHOUSE EXHAUST and TYRE CENTRE, MOT. servicing and repairs, tyres and exhausts, free local collection and delivery service, helpful staff

 R A WHITE and SONS, Bespoke joiners and cabinet makers, home visits by appointment, helpful staff.

 A and D WEBB, Metal polishers and finishers, helpful staff.

 ORCHARD GARAGE

 HIGH STREET (continued)

BREAK CHARITY SHOP, two steps with grab rails, spacious interior, small changing room, helpful staff.

 HIGH STREET

(from Bridge on left hand side)

THE GLOBE INN, Public house, ramped access, level throughout, lunchtime menu, live entertainment on Saturday evenings, toilet cubicles not wheelchair accessible, helpful staff.

STONEHOUSE PHARMACY, ramped access, level throughout, free prescription collection and delivery service, spacious interior, helpful staff.

 THE HIGH STREET MEDICAL CENTRE, front entrance two small steps and door bell, rear entrance level access, wide door, disabled toilet, wheelchair available for use, car parking with 2 blue badge bays, helpful staff.

 ENTRANCE TO MAIN CAR PARK

Recycling Point

 STONEHOUSE HEALTH CLINIC, car parking, ramped access, disabled toilet, NHS District Nurses and Health Visitors.  Helpful staff.  Telephone: 01453 562 120

 DR ESMAILJI, Doctors’ Surgery, level entry, car parking, waiting room, disabled toilet, helpful staff.

 TRAFALGAR TAKEAWAY, fish and chips etc, level access, spacious interior, helpful staff.

 HURNS, Home and Hardware, level access, two small steps to upper level (staff assistance available), first floor via stairs, helpful staff.

 POLICE STATION, entry via three steps or ramped access, assistance bell, hearing loop, disabled parking bay, helpful staff.

 Opening Hours Monday to Friday 09:00  to 17:00

Telephone: 0845 090 1234

 WDS WILLS LTD, Will writers, estate planning, inheritance tax, entry by external staircase, spacious interior, home visits on request, helpful staff.

 ANNETS PIZZERIA, Takeaway, one small step.

 M D BAILEY, Optometrists and Hearing Centre, flat level access,

Home visits available, limited parking on front, helpful staff.

 SKIN and TONIC BEAUTY SALON, entry via stairs.

 VACANT SHOP

 M R REES, Dental Surgeon, up stairs to treatment rooms.

 P and S FRUIT and VEG, one small step, home delivery service available, helpful staff.

  VACANT SHOP

 LLOYDS TSB BANK, level access, automatic door, hearing loop, spacious interior, accessible consulting room, helpful staff.

 STROUD and SWINDON BUILDING SOCIETY, automatic door, fully accessible, spacious interior, hearing loop, helpful staff.

 SUE RYDER CARE, Charity shop, one small step, spacious interior, small changing room, home trial by arrangement, staff assistance available, helpful staff.

 GINGER I.T. and DELTA NINE PC SERVICES (two businesses)

Computer sales and repairs, complete computer refurbishment, home visits available, level access, helpful staff.

 HSBC, Bank, level access, automatic push pad door, hearing loop, lowered writing area, helpful staff.

 ENTRANCE TO QUEENS ROAD

 POST OFFICE, ramped access, push pad automatic door, low counter, helpful staff.

 STONEHOUSE TOWN COUNCIL OFFICE, ramped access, disabled toilet, very spacious interior, local leaflets and information.  Helpful staff.

Open

Monday to Friday

09:00 to 14:00 

 COTSWOLD CARE, Charity shop, level access, spacious interior, small changing room, helpful staff.

 H2O HAIR DESIGNS, Unisex hairdresser, level access, spacious interior, helpful staff.

 TEMPTATIONS, Picture frames and cards, level access, spacious interior, helpful staff.

 COTSWOLD PRIME MEATS, Local butcher, level access, homemade sausages, dry cured meats etc, helpful staff.

 THE FLOWER SHOP, Florist, level access, very open interior, licensed for alcohol e.g. champagne/wine with flowers, helpful staff.

 LADBROKES, Bookmakers, wide level access, spacious interior, low desks, disabled toilet, helpful staff.

 

BATH ROAD

(on left hand side towards Horse Trough Roundabout)

 THE TRAVEL SHOP, Travel agents, two small steps.

 CHINESE CITY, Takeaway, ramped access.

 FRYING MACHINE, Chip shop, level access, open interior

Open

Tuesday to Saturday lunch and evening

 ENTRANCE TO ALDERGATE STREET

 BETHEL CHURCH, ramped access, hearing loop, car park.

 COTSWOLD BOWLS CENTRE, Bowling equipment specialist, ramped access, assistance bell, helpful staff.

 RANDALL and PAYNE, Chartered Accountants, three steps, helpful staff.

 AMBIANCE, Health, beauty and sun tanning salon, one large step to main door, side entry one small step, helpful staff.

 CITNEXUS, Software supplies to Charities and Schools, student discounts, helpful staff.

 JOSEPH MARTIN, Hairdresser.

REGENT STREET

THE PIZZA PLANET, fast food eat in or takeaway, ramped entrance, spacious interior.

 SARAH JANE KITCHENS LTD,  kitchen designs from replacement doors to complete kitchens, home visits and planning software, one large step, helpful staff.

 

ABIGAIL CRAFTS, Sewing and Patchwork Centre, two large steps, helpful staff.

 LABURNUM WALK (off Regent Street)

VEHICLE ENTRY TO COMMUNITY CENTRE and PARK

 REGENT STREET (continued)

REGENT STREET GARAGE, Repairs, servicing, welding and Pre MOTs all makes, free collection and delivery service, helpful staff.

 REGENT STREET SURGERY, full disabled access, lowered desk for form filling, assistance bell, car parking, caller display system, disabled toilet, helpful staff.

 REGENCY RETIREMENT HOME, level access, car parking, gardens, lift to upper floor, annexe with stair lift, helpful staff.

 HOPELANDS PREPARATORY SCHOOL, A non selective friendly school catering for children from 3 to 11, ramped access from pavement, level access to building, helpful friendly staff.

 ELM ROAD

THE BREAD BASKET, Sandwiches, rolls, cakes, sugarcraft equipment and celebration cakes, level access, spacious interior, helpful staff.

 THE CUTTING ROOMS, Unisex hairdresser, level access, spacious interior.

 ALL PETS, Pet and garden supplies, small pets, one step, helpful staff.

 CO - OP,     Convenience Store and Off Licence, ramped approach, wide entrance door, spacious interior, helpful staff.

 PARK INFANT and EARLY YEARS CENTRE, catering for children from infant to 11 years working alongside Park Junior School, car parking, helpful friendly staff.

 PARK JUNIOR SCHOOL, catering for children up to 11 working alongside Park Infant and Early Years Centre, friendly helpful staff.

 STONEHOUSE YOUTH CLUB, ramped access.

 COUNTY LIBRARY, level access, spacious interior, car parking, helpful staff.

 THE ELMS, Residential Home for 65 years and over, automatic door, lift to upper floor, hairdressing facilities, gardens, respite care, all fully accessible, helpful staff.

 THE DOUGLAS MORLEY HALL, level access, car parking with 3 blue badge bays.

 STONEHOUSE METHODIST CHURCH, one step.

PARK ROAD

PARK PARADE OFF LICENCE, Convenience store, ramped access, spacious interior, 7 day opening, helpful staff.

 CRAFTY PASTIMES, Craft shop, ramped access.

 VACANT SHOP

GLOUCESTER ROAD

(from Bridge, direction of Standish)

JOHN KERRY and SONS, Domestic Appliance specialist, flat level access, home visits by appointment, helpful staff.

 BRIDGE SERVICE STATION, Petrol and diesel sales and convenience store, ramped access, cash machine, helpful staff.

 VOLKSWAGEN and AUDI MOT CENTRE, VW and Audi specialists, MOTs, servicing and repairs of all makes, collection and delivery by prior arrangement, helpful staff.

 STONEHOUSE AUTOPARTS, Car parts and accessories, ramped access, easy parking, helpful staff, open seven days a week. Telephone:  01453 822 203

 STONEHOUSE BAPTIST CHURCH, Main entrance 4 steps, disabled access via ramp to side door, car parking.

 SEVERN PLY, timber based sales of sheet material, worktops, cutting facilities, delivery available, car parking, flat level access, helpful staff, Open six days  08:00  to 17:00

 ENTRANCE TO OLDENDS LANE

 STAGHOLT RECREATION GROUND, Car parking.

 HORSEMARLING FARM, Farm shop and plant sales, car parking.

 STANDISH HOSPITAL, currently disused Hospital.

 MORETON HILL CARE CENTRE, 24 hour nursing and residential care for 62 residents, car parking, level access, gardens with panoramic views, helpful friendly staff.

OLDENDS LANE

THE SHRUBBERIES SCHOOL, catering for children and young people from 2 to 19, car parking, level access, fully disabled friendly, helpful staff.

 ST JOSEPH’S RC CHURCH, car parking, ramped access, disabled toilet.

 STONEHOUSE 1^st SCOUT GROUP, car parking, level access.

 OLDENDS LANE CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA

 MAGPIE’S SPORTS AND SOCIAL CLUB, car parking, one small step, skittle alley and function rooms for hire. 

ARMY CADET UNIT, car parking, two steps.

 OLDENDS LANE RECREATION GROUND, large level car park, pavilion with ramped access, changing rooms, football stand.

 

CAR BOOT SALE HERE EVERY SATURDAY MORNING.

RECYCLING POINT.

 RAILWAY CROSSING, Automatic barriers with red lights and siren sound.

 SPA INN, Public House, car parking, flat level access, hot and cold meals served lunchtime and evening, disabled toilet, mother and baby changing facility, outside seating in enclosed garden, friendly helpful staff.

KINGS ROAD

MAIDENHILL SCHOOL, main entrance one step, level access at side entrance, lift, disabled toilet, car parking, helpful staff.

WOODCOCK LANE

WOODCOCK LANE DENTAL PRACTICE, car parking, level access.

GLOUCESTER ROAD

(from Woodcock Lane towards Bridge)

STONEHOUSE INSTALLATIONS, Double glazing, replacement windows and doors and conservatories, two steps, home visits and free quotes, helpful staff.

 THE NIPPY CHIPPY, fish, chips, kebabs and burgers takeaway, one step.

 STONEHOUSE STORES, Convenience store, newsagent and alcohol sales, one step

Open seven days a week

06:.00 to  20.00 Monday to Saturday

7:00 to 14.00 Sunday

 BREWERS ARMS, Public House, ramped access, car parking.

 BOWBRIDGE VETERINARY GROUP, car parking, disabled access, level throughout, sale of pet foods and supplies, disabled toilet, out of hours emergency service, helpful staff.

QUEENS ROAD

STONEHOUSE NEIGHBOURHOOD PROJECT, one step, ramp available (currently closed)

 THE CURIOSITY SHOP, secondhand and new furniture, car park, level throughout.

 AARON CARPETS, rugs, vinyl, ceramic wall and floor tiles, one step.

 £1 PLUS SHOP, assorted goods and gifts, one small step, helpful staff.

 THE CURIOSITY SHOP, Main Unit, one step.

 APOLLO TAXIS, Taxi and private hire operators, contract and airport work undertaken, spacious waiting room, travel tokens accepted, experienced and helpful staff.

 HOPSCOTCH, Unisex hairdresser, one small step, open Tuesday – Saturday, helpful staff.

 STONEHOUSE RAIL STATION, access to Platform One London bound via ramped access off Upper Queens Road, very limited seating and waiting facilities, automated passenger information intercom.  Footbridge to platform Two.

 Platform Two access of Queens Road via steep stepped footway with handrail.  Access also available off Burdett Road, car park (one blue badge space), ramped access to platform, ticket machine, covered open waiting room with limited seating, no toilet facilities.  Disabled passengers may find this station difficult to use.

 TOWNES and TOWNES, Dental Surgeons, flat level access, disabled consultant room on ground floor, other rooms via stairs, helpful staff.

ALDERGATE STREET

STONEHOUSE CHIROPRACTIC CLINIC, level access, small car park.

 BRISTOL ROAD

STONEHOUSE COURT HOTEL, 36 bedded hotel with restaurant, caters for functions, car parking, six steps to entrance.

 A guide to inspected accommodation in the District is available from Tourist Information

Telephone: 01453 760 960

 INDUSTRIAL ESTATES

EBLEY ROAD/RYEFORD

§        SIEMENS

 

OLD BRICK WORKS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

 §        GORDONS GARAGE, RYEFORD (MURCO)

§        RYEFORD ENGINEERS

§        RYEFORD METAL WORKS

 

RYEFORD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE NORTH (off Ebley Road)

 §        NORTH RYEFORD GARAGE and MG SPECIALIST

§        STANLEY ENGINEERS

§        RYEFORD BUILDERS

 

RYEFORD INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SOUTH (off Bypass)

 §        KELLAWAY BUILDING SUPPLIES

§        CAR and COMMERCIAL REPAIRS

(Stonehouse Commercial Vehicle repairs)

§        GODWIN JETTING

§        CRISTOM CONSTRUCTION

§        ROGER DEAN BUILDERS

§        WHEELERS TRANSPORT

§        IRON ORE CO

§        BODYCOTE CERAMIC TILE TRADER ( STROUD LTD)

§        H BURFORD and SONS

§        METAL RECYCLING MERCHANT and WASTE DISPOSAL CONTRACTORS

 §        PETER MARKS REPAIRS INCORPORATING PACO (STROUD) LTD

§        COTSWOLD CHEMICALS and LUBRICANTS LTD

§        HUNTER PLASTICS

 

RYEFORD SOUTH

 §        STANLEY MILL HERITAGE CENTRE (MARLING and EVANS MILL)

§        MARLING INDUSTRIAL FELT (CARPETS)

MOBILE TAKEAWAY VAN IN BYPASS CAR PARK

 

UPPER MILLS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BRIDGEND

 §        ZETA PRINTING

§        SCHINDLER LIFTS

§        MARK COLE

§        GROUND BT PRECISION ENGINEERING

§        T and M DECORATORS LTD

§        A J H FABRICATION and WELDING LTD

§        WASDELL PACKAGING

§        CHRIS and JACK TOOLMAKING

§        THE BUN RUN SNACK BAR

§        THE MANOR

§        COFFEE MILL

§        WORK TWICE ENVIRONMENTAL

§        V-TEC GARAGE

§        FIVE VALLEYS SIGNS and LABELS

§        COTSWOLD VALVES

§        HANDLING TECHNIQUES

§        ANTHONY J SMITH LTD

§        Edm SOLUTIONS

§        UPPER MILLS OFFICE

 

DOWNTON ROAD BRIDGEND

§        WINUWUK STUDIOS

§        C L RANSOME MEMORIALS

§        COLIN BENNETT TRANSPORT

§        BESPOKE KITCHENS

 

LOWER MILLS INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BRIDGEND

  §        PAPER BAG MILLS

§        CM SERVICES

§        SEVERN VALE TRUCK MOVEMENTS

§        BRIDGEND GARAGE AUDI and VOLKSWAGEN SPECIALISTS

§        HIGH CLASS METAL POLISHING

§        COTSWOLD WOOD FINISHERS

§        MARTIN OLDFIELD BODY REPAIRS

§        A RUSSELL MOTOR MECHANIC

§        R and M MOTORCYCLES

§        MOODY SERVICES

§        DESIGNEX CABINETS

§        MORGAN and HARDING

§        FRAMPTON CONSULTANTS DAMPROOFING

 

BRISTOL ROAD, STONEHOUSE

  §        ST CYRS CHURCH

§        STONEHOUSE COURT HOTEL

§        STATION HOUSE TRAINING CENTRE

§        C and G SERVICES HEALTH and SAFETY CONSULTANTS and TRAINING SKILLS

 

STONEHOUSE COMMERCIAL CENTRE

  §        SHARETREE SYSTEMS

§        BUSINESS POST

§        DESIGN EASE

§        DE HAVILLAND FABRICATIONS LTD

§        ALEX ENGINEERING

§        BTWORTH MATERIAL SERVICES

§        AUTO GAS

 

BONDS MILL STONEHOUSE

 §        THE ALZEIMERS SOCIETY

§        AMITY INSULATION

§        B J POST FORMING

§        CONNEXUS NETWORK LTD

§        CONTROL SOLUTIONS

§        COTSWOLD PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES

§        COUNCIL FOR ALUMINIUM IN BUILDINGS

§        EUROLINK TELECOM and TELECOM MGMT

§        FINITE STRUCTURES

§        NEW LOOK CLEANING SERVICES

§        PROGRESSIVE ENERGY LTD

§        SIAC CONSTRUCTIONS (UK LTD)

§        THE KUDOS GROUP

§        TIGER CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT

§        TONY GEE and PARTNERS

§        VENN ENGINEERING SERVICES

§        VENTURE ELECTRICAL SERVICES LTD

§        BOND MILL CAFÉ – FOOD FOR THOUGHT

§        BOON EDAM

§        CARPET MAN

§        DAVID WILSON HOMES

§        ENVIRONMENTAL VISAGE LTD

§        FRONTIER SOFTWARE

§        GIRAFFE ACCESS CO

§        GLOUCESTER TYPESETTING SERVICES

§        HEALTH PROTECTION AGENCY (SW)

§        I F M ELECTRONICS LTD

§        KYNE DESIGN

§        MAY RISE LTD

§        PERTINAX INTERNATIONAL LTD

§        R W K ACCOUNTING SERVICES

§        SUDEXHO LTD

§        TRAILBLAZER LTD

§        JOHN KIDSON FRENCH POLISHER

§        MAWDSLEYS WL INC

§        OMEGA SELECTION SERVICES LTD

§        RED HAND

§        ALFRED MCALPINE

§        NETWORK RAIL

§        BONDS MILL GARAGE

§        ALLAN WEBB LTD

§        BRITANNIA JOINERY

§        ANSTEE and WARE

 

OLDENDS LANE

 §        J CONNELLY (SHOWMAN)

§        DAIRY CREST

§        SKF

§        HOUR GLASS SEAL LTD

§        ULTIMATE BUILDING PLASTICS LTD

 

STONEDALE ROAD

 §        HUSQAVARNA PRODUCTS

§        GLOUCESTER CONPONENTS

§        K C I (CLINICAL ADVANTAGE)

§        ATH FLUID MOTIVATIONS

§        HANMAN BROS LTD SCREEN PRINTING

§        ZYEX POLYKETONE FIBRES

§        ROSPEN WEIGHT METERING SPECIALISTS

§        VITAL SIGNS

§        RAKO PRODUCTS LTD

§        ATS EUROMASTER

§        SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH

§        RYDER

§        LADY CLARE

§        PSL PROTECTIVE SOLUTIONS (UK) LTD

§        REED HYCALOG A GRANT PRIDICO COMPANY

§        ABB

§        AUWELLS

§        DKM SHEET METAL

§        K and J PAINT SPRAYING SERVICE

§        R MCMAHON PRECISION ENGINEERING

§        MAC

§        DAEWOO TRUCKS

 

STROUD BUSINESS PARK

 §        ULTIMATE WINDOW SUPPLIES

§        QUADRON

§        NEWLAND BUILDING SERVICES

 

STROUDWATER BUSINESS PARK, BRUNEL WAY

 §        UNITE

§        NORMAN PRECISIONS

§        LIKO

§        DELPHI DIESEL SYSTEMS

§        SCHLUMBERGER

§        CTL MANUFACTURING

§        POLARIS

§        UNO MEDICAL

§        RENISHAW PLC STONEHOUSE

§        GREINER BIO-ONE

§        QUAKER

§        ASTRA

§        GREEN FUELS

§        LISTER COMMUNICATIONS

§        SIEMENS

§        ANTICS

§        JATECH LTD

§        COBURN FASTENERS

§        EESI ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS

§        STORMSHIELD GBC LTD

§        WARREN

§        PRO-OPTIC LTD

§        CLG ENGINEERING

§        IMPRO SOLUTIONS BGP INTERNATIONAL

§        STORAGE and INTERIOR SERVICES LTD

§        MCDONNELL PRICE ROOFING

§        WESTERN THERMAL LTD

§        MDL KELEX PRINTS and DESIGN

§        GERRY DUPREE EXCLUSIVE CONNECTIONS

 

LATIMER ROAD

 §        SPARK LIFE LEARN DIRECT

§        TOPAZ

§        STREAMLINE DISPENSE

§        GR FASTENERS

 

EDGE OF TOWN

(Ebley Road)

STROUD GARDEN CENTRE, car parking, level access, helpful staff.

 

HRS Dentalcare, car parking, ramped access.

 

MERTON LODGE, Bed and Breakfast, car parking.

 

GORDONS, Filling Station and vehicle hire.

 

WELFARE AND OTHER SERVICES

POLICE STATION, High Street, Stonehouse

Telephone: 0845 090 1234

Open Monday to Friday: 09:00  to 17:00

 

Ramped access, assistance bell, hearing loop, disabled parking bay.

 

MAGISTRATES COURTS, Parliament Street, Stroud

Level approach from pavement, entry by automatic push pad door.

 

REGISTRATION OF BIRTHS, DEATHS, MARRIAGES and CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS, Parliament Street, Stroud

Telephone: 01453 766 049

 

Car parking, level access, spacious interior.

 

SOCIAL SERVICES, Beeches Green, Stroud

One disabled parking bay, level access

Telephone: 01453 760 500

 

CARE and REPAIR (Stroud) LTD, Unit 9, New mills Industrial Estate

Telephone: 01453 766 121

 

VCA (Stroud District), The Old Town Hall, The Shambles, Stroud

Telephone: 01453 759 005

 

 

STONEHOUSE TOWN COUNCIL, High Street, Stonehouse

Telephone: 01453 822 070

Email: stonehouseclerk@btconnect.com

 

Ramped access, very spacious interior, disabled toilet, car parking at rear.

 

STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL, Ebley Mill, Stroud

Telephone: 01453 766 321

 

CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU, Unit 8, First Floor, Brunel Mall, London Road, Stroud

Telephone: 01453 762 084

 

Opening times

Monday and Tuesday

10:00 to 13:00

(Phone calls 13:00  to 16:00 )

 

Wednesday

PHONE CALLS ONLY

11: 00  to 14:00

 

Thursday and Friday

10: 00  to  13:00

(Phone calls 13: 00  to 16:00 )

 

STROUD COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION, Stratford Road, Stroud

Telephone: 01453 763 424

 

STROUD and DISTRICT ACCESS GROUP

Telephone: 01453 758 716

Email: stroudaccessgroup@tesco.net

 

MODERN-EYES Training Services Ltd, IT training for the visually impaired, visual awareness training, transcription service

Telephone: 01453 757 047

Email: info@modern-eyes.co.uk

Website: www.modern-eyes.co.uk

 

 

COPIES OF THIS GUIDE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON STANDARD AUDIO CD, DAISY/MP3 CD, DATA CDRom AND, ON REQUEST, IN BRAILLE.

 

 THIS GUIDE CAN ALSO BE VIEWED ON THE WEBSITES OF STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL

Website:  www.stroud.gov.uk

 

STROUD and DISTRICT ACCESS GROUP

Website: http://community.stroud.gov.uk/accessgroup 

 

STONEHOUSE TOWN COUNCIL

Website: www.stonehouse.ik.com

 

MODERN-EYES

Website: www.modern-eyes.co.uk

 

Researched and compiled by:

Stroud and District Access Group

16 White House Park

Cainscross, Stroud, Glos, GL5 4LD

Telephone: 01453 758716

Email: stroudaccessgroup@tesco.net

 

 Printed by:

MDL Kelex Prints and Design

Unit 16, Stroudwater Business Park

Stonehouse, GL10 3SX

 Telephone: 01453 791400

 

 Audio/Braille conversion by:

Modern-Eyes Training Services Ltd

194 Westward Road

Ebley, Stroud

Glos, GL5 4ST

 

Telephone: 01453 757 047

Email: info@modern-eyes.co.uk

 

 

STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL

JUST A FEW CONTACTS, FOR MORE INFORMATION REFER TO THEIR WEBSITE  www.stroud.gov.uk

If you have a problem or an issue you need help with but are not sure who to contact, call STROUD DISTRICT COUNCIL on 766321 and ask – they are there to help!

These names may be subject to change but no doubt they will pass you to the current Position Holder if necessary. 

Natasha Anderson is SDCs Dog Warden.

Speak to her on 754491 if you want to report a stray dog or dog fouling in your area.

Alex Davies is SDCs Animal Welfare Officer.

Speak to her on 754497 if you have any concerns about this issue.

Lesley Swain is SDCs Environmental Protection Officer, dealing with noise, smoke, smells and the like, not to be confused with SDCs Environmental Health Officers who deal with a great deal more. Reach Lesley direct on 754485.

If you think a watercourse may be being polluted report it to the Environment  Agency. www.environment-agency.gov.uk 

GLOUCESTERSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST   http://www.recycleforgloucestershire.com/ To receive GWT newsletters via email contact GWT on 01452 313761 or  email  mail@gloucestershirewildlifetrust-news.co.uk We hope you are still all enjoying the composting feel good factor - knowing you are making a positive difference for wildlife and the environment, from the soil up. Here’s some interesting facts we thought might keep you motivated.  Did You know….. ·                    Darwin said the worm is the most important creature in world history & Cleopatra thought they were sacred.  ·                    Worms eat their own weight in organic matter every day!  ·                    It takes 100 years to make 1 inch of new soil.  ·                    Fertile soil with plenty of organic matter combats wind and water erosion.  ·                    21% of household waste in Gloucestershire is food waste.  ·                    13% of household waste in Gloucestershire is garden waste. ·                    Over 50% of your household dustbin can be composted!  ·                    If the whole of Gloucestershire were composting we would save 10,000 refuse lorries per year!  Kick Start your Composting and Compost Bin After winter, your compost bins may need a little revival to get them working well in spring. To speed up composting put your bins where they will get some sunshine, preferably on the garden where they will draw worms up to help the process. Here’s a quick reminder of what  can go in: YES: Vegetable & fruit peelings, including lettuce & cabbage leaves! Used tissues and paper towels, cardboard tubes, cereal cartons, corrugated cardboard, newspaper & egg boxes Tea bags, coffee grounds & filter papers Lawn mowings Weeds & clippings - young annual weeds (avoid bindweed & perennial weeds which will grow again)* Shredded woody waste Small amount of leaves (compost large amounts separately to make leafmould) Pure wool and cotton Old flowers Spent bedding plants Nettles Comfrey Rhubarb leaves Pond Algae & seaweed Egg shells Straw & hay Hedge clippings, even some of the twiggy bits (cut up as small as you can) Bedding from vegetarian pets Ashes from wood, paper or lumpwood charcoal Sawdust, wood chippings Wool Feathers Cotton threads String - natural fibre Vacuum bag contents Old natural fibre clothes (eg woolly jumpers or cotton t shirts cut into small pieces) Shredded confidential documents Corn cobs & stalks Pine needles & cones (slow to compost so don't put too much in) MIX UP CONTENTS EVENLY TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS; TOO MUCH GRASS ON ONE LEVEL WILL NOT COMPOST DOWN WELL.   Not good in the heap: Pernicious weed roots - place in plastic bags, tie at top and leave to rot separately* Cooked food - as it could attract vermin Meat, fish or dairy products - again likely to attract vermin Dog or cat faeces could spread disease.  Dig a hole in the garden & cover with a good layer of soil when full. Get out  in Spring days and investigate what has been happening over winter in your compost heap – here’s how to deal with what you may find. Cold, soggy heaps need a boost of activity – get the circulation going by mixing it all up, turning the top to the bottom - easiest done with a plastic bin by lifting it off the compost pile inside & refilling, see ‘Use your compost’. Please be careful of any hibernating wildlife – if you think you may have slowworms, leave this until April. Heaps with ‘channels’ – may have provided a winter residence for field mice, bank voles or the much maligned rat. Only the latter need be discouraged by regular turning and chicken wire with holes less than 2/3 inch on the base of the bin (sides and top  if it’s a wooden slatted bin). Dry, woody heaps may have a hedgehog lurking underneath still so again be careful! A hedgehog is unlikely in a closed plastic bin however. You can kick start the composting process by mixing in a nitrogen rich liquid –chicken manure pellets or horse manure soaked in a bucket of water is great. So is bucket of diluted urine if you’re feeling ultra self sufficient! Use your compost!  Grass will soon be growing so make sure your bin is as empty as it can be for the coming season! To empty your compost heap – if you have a plastic bin the easiest way is to loosen the compost in the heap by rocking and then lifting off the whole bin.  Lift off the top layers which are still rotting. When the compost below has been spread on the garden or used in pots return the un-rotted vegetation to the bin.   We hope that by now you are one of the world’s most enthusiastic composters but whether you are or aren’t we need your help! Harness your spring energy & help us to spread compost across Gloucestershire! Each household in Gloucestershire produces on average 1 tonne of waste per year, at least half of which could be composted. So, if you haven’t got around to starting that heap, now is the time. Simply call our compost hotline and we can get you going (01452 313761). If you are already composting you are part of a massive 1 in 3 households nationally. Your help is invaluable to us, because you can influence those around you who haven’t caught the composting bug. We are so much more likely to start something new if we can see that a friend is already doing it and reaping the rewards.  IPlease promote composting amongst friends, family, colleagues and neighbours! Happy Composting!   Discover: Ways to encourage birds in your garden How to use paper and card in your compost heap What to do with autumn leaves Half Term activities The past 25 years have seen the loss of hedges, field margins and traditional meadows. The decline of traditional farming practises and increased pesticide use has seen a decline in many species. There are many simple ways you can help wildlife in your garden, and watching provides hours of fun! :         ·         Plant fruit and berry bushes (e.g blackcurrant, cotoneaster, holly & elder) ideal food for birds. ·         Compost and create log piles of rotting dead wood – ideal insect habitats, larders for birds and other small mammals such as shrews and hedgehogs. ·         Set up a bird table for food scraps such as fat, bread, nuts, berries, fruit. ·         Create habitat piles of your autumn prunings – these make ideal hibernation sites for hedgehogs. ·         Flat stones make ideal anvils for song thrushes & reduces snail numbers in your garden! ·         Provide water by creating a pond or filling  old containers full of water. ·         Plant honeysuckle and ivy hedges – they make ideal nesting sites ·         Make your own bird box and hang bird boxes for birds to nest next season. ·      Make time to do pond maintenance – clear excess weed to increase oxygen for pond life next season.   Cardboard Composting What are non-recyclable paper products? Paper and card that the council does not pick up at the kerbside! Gloucestershire now has kerbside collections of recyclable paper, this is usually restricted to newspaper, magazines and office paper so does not include for example:  v     Toilet roll tubes v     Cereal boxes v     Pizza boxes v     Flour bags v     Kitchen paper v     Egg boxes v     Shredded paper v     Till receipts Compost all these - a bonus for worms! Just scrunch, twist or crumple the paper and card and add it to your compost heap. This increases aeration and the rate of compost production without the need for so much turning of the heap. Add approximately equal volumes of non-recyclable paper products & food scraps. You can mix equal volumes of paper with grass cuttings too! Leave the lid off the compost bin occasionally to increase air circulation & moisture levels.                                            Make a Leaf Mould Bin! HQ:  Robinswood Hill Country Park, Reservoir Road, Gloucester Drop in and discover simple ways to make your garden wildlife friendly, how to make and use compost, grow tasty nutritious food and contribute to a better natural environment. Featuring ideas for smaller gardens and courtyards, providing space for wildlife and for you. This time we are looking at hot tips for summer composting and more natural gardening techniques that don't cost the Earth. •         How to keep fruit flies to a minimum during hot weather •         Using your compost to grow quick and easy salad •         Saving water and energy in your garden this summer Plus another look at all the amazing things you can be composting - are you getting the most from your bin? Hot tips for Summer Fruit flies are part of the breaking down process and have a role to play in composting, but who likes a face full when lifting the lid? If they are a nuisance and you have the energy, try turning the heap. This will give more oxygen to the micro-organisms and for a few days the overall temperature will increase to an uncomfortable level for the flies. Check you have an equal mix of greens and browns and it's as moist as a rung out sponge as you turn. If you haven't got the energy for that, just try leaving the lid off. Birds will eat the fruit flies and the really unpleasant swarm as you lift the lid won't be a problem. Another way is to cover kitchen waste with a 'bio filter'. This can be a layer of compost, fresh grass cuttings, shredded paper or bedding from the guinea pigs. Unlike lifting a lid, the flies will not be disturbed as you throw on more waste and so should disturb you less too. Put on a good thick bio filter before you go on holiday, and it will help with the fruit flies, keep the moisture in, and keep it all cooking while you're away! Salad bags are popular but very expensive and costly to the environment. Why not save money and pollution by growing 'cut and come again' salad leaves in a recycled container full of your compost? 1.    Find a sturdy box or grocers tray - the wooden crate kind are great and look attractive. 2.    Line with a thick layer of newspaper, bottom & sides. 3.    Fill with compost, sieving top layer if very rough. 4.     Buy a packet of tasty salad leaves seed and sow as advised. 5.               Keep watered; the beauty of a tray is you can move it around your patio to catch/avoid the sun. 6.  Eat all summer and then re-compost the whole tray when finished! .Are you getting the most from your bin? All these can be composted: Vegetable and fruit peelings, stalks, tops, dead flowers Garden weeds, sticks, stalks, dead material Lawn mowings Hedge clippings Egg shells (take time to break down/can be scrunched up) Kitchen towel/tissues Cardboard boxes, tubes, packets, greetings cards Paper - shredded or scrunched up receipts, personal documents, gift-wrap Ped bedding and manure (not dog or cat faeces) Tea bags, coffee grounds & filter papers Leaves, small amounts or compost separately Shredded branches or leave in a pile for wildlife habitat Wood ash but not coal Old wool, silk, cotton rags Dust from vacuum cleaner if no broken glass Animal and human hair and toe nails! Human urine - will speed up the whole compost bin! Wildlife Corner... Summer is the time of sitting back and enjoying the garden and part of that comes from knowing you're helping to protect wildlife. The traditional summer gardening activities of mowing and watering are heavy on energy - fossil fuel and human effort! Petrol motors in garden tools are known to be more polluting than cars as they use a lot of petrol or electricity & do nothing to help wildlife Here are some wildlife friendly alternatives - Leave the grass to grow longer which helps conserve moisture at the roots so you don't need to water. Let an area grow to see what flowers come up.  Bees & butterflies will really appreciate it as most of our farm meadows have now been lost. Strip the turf off a section of your lawn in the autumn and sow native wildflower seed to create a wonderful flower meadow which will only need cutting after the flowers have seeded in late summer - saves you time & money on petrol, gives you great pleasure as you enjoy the butterflied & wildflowers next summer. Watering with tap water wastes resources, including the energy used to clean it to drinking standard.  Cover bare soil with a mulch over the summer to help conserve moisture, keep down weeds & feed the soil life.  Law mowings and home-made compost are a great free mulch to keep your garden growing naturally, without chemicals. Bring a picnic and enjoy the facilities, City farm and views from Robinswood Hill Country Park.   SPRING CLEANING IN STROUD DISTRICT  read on ....... Stroud District Council's Recycling Officer writes to Parishes each year to introduce the annual Spring Clean.  The Parish Council used to organise a day when lots of people would turn out to pick up litter ready for collection.  Schools no longer wanted children to take part because of safety issues & support dwindled, leaving just Cllrs turning up one year!   Nowadays we rely on the many unsung heros who pick up after people have dropped their litter throughout the year and KSPC and the Marling's close Trust pay a contractor to look aftr the litter around the play area and multi use games area on Marling Close.  There is always room for more volunteers, even if its just occasional! As of February 2009 I am not sure what SDC will announce, but previously, if you picked up litter anytime during April, SDC will provide you with a litter picker, bags, gloves & a fluorescent vest if you wanted one!  Maybe they will do it again!   For further information contact the Recycling Officer on 01453 754427 or recycling@stroud.gov.uk One former Recycling Officer used to say of our throw-away society:  ".......... the public feel they can drop their litter wherever they want.  Residents are amazed at litter being on the streets; almost implying that it is the Council's fault and that it is SDC that is causing the problem.  If only people would take their litter home what a better place the District would be.  Every year the waste increases but resources do not. Thanks to your input over the years we have been able to tackle the problem.  ........Can you spare some time to help clear those grot spots near to where you live?"

 

CoRWM

Learning from the past - Listening for the Future

Committee on Radioactive Nuclear Waste

CoRWM was first set up by Government in November 2003 as an independent body to review options for the long-term management of UK higher-activity solid radioactive waste. 

Corwm's original task has been completed but, as of November 2007, it is back.  Chair Professor Robert Pickard writes (enclosing their terms of reference) that “CoRWM (which greatly values its independence & confidence that people have placed in CoRWM up to now … hope to maintain both …) is back … asked by Govt to provide independent scrutiny of its radioactive waste management plans & programmes – including those of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority – & the way in which they are implemented.”  Their first private mtg was held late November but a summary will be published & they will hold further plenary mtgs in public as usual.  They will publish plans for drawing up a work programme as Govt asked for by March 08 & to help do this are arranging a series of mtgs, visits to organisations & radioactive waste facilities in UK & abroad to gather a range of views & more information.  They may not be able to meet everyone who took part in their programme but welcome any comments anyone wishes to send.  They will publish future mtgs on their website: www.corwm.org.uk & hope to see people there.  They will publish e-bulletins.  If you wish to receive them contact their secretariat. Area 4C, Ergon House, Horseferry Road London SW1P 2AL Tel 020 7238 1721 Fax 020 7238 6471 email: contact@corwm.org.uk

         

HOSPITAL SERVICES FOR PEOPLE IN GLOUCESTERSHIRE 

 http://www.gloslink.org.uk/  Visit this site, see what it does and you could get involved in shaping health and social care delivery!

KINGS STANLEY PARISH COUNCIL HAS WRITTEN TO CENTRAL GOVERNMENT AND OUR MP AND TO THE TWO HEALTH TRUSTS ABOUT THE PROPOSED CHANGES (CUTS) IN LOCAL HEALTH SERVICES  WHICH ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR DELIVERING THE VARIOUS SERVICES THAT SEEM LIKELY TO BE DELIVERED LESS LOCALLY IN FUTURE.

Log on direct to the health provider for the service in which you are particularly interested, ie

Gloucestershire Partnership NHS Trust (www.partnershiptrust.org.uk)  or email servicechanges@glos.nhs.uk  for Weavers Croft;

Cotswold & Vale PCT (www.cotsvalepct.org.uk) for Stroud Maternity and Stroud General Hospitals

Cheltenham & Tewkesbury PCT (www.chelttewkpct.org.uk)  may also be providing services that you may be using.....?

There is also a website called:  www.savestroudhospitals.org where you may find information on that issue and register for information updates.

OR YOU MAY WISH TO INVESTIGATE THE PALS ROUTE

STROUD VOLUNTEER CENTRE

Now known as Volunteer & Community Action

www.vcastroud.org

Phone01453-759005 

Fax 01453-765147

The Old Town Hall, The Shambles, High Street, Stroud GL5 1AP

View map 
 

 

MEALS ON WHEELS

Tel: 01453 826777

Unit 1, Oldends Industrial Estate, Oldends, Stonehouse, Gloucestershire GL10 3RQ

WRVS Meals on Wheels Area Organisation is always happy to hear from prospective volunteers to help deliver some meals. 

King's Stanley has a 5 day a week delivery.  Deliveries take between 1.5 and 2 hours and volunteers need only commit themselves to once or twice a month. 

http://www.wrvs.org.uk/