Stroud district councillors have approved the new Council Plan, which sets its priorities for the district for the next five years.

The Council Plan aims to help the district's residents and businesses recover, reset and renew from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

The new plan replaces the Corporate Delivery Plan, following the election of a new council in May this year.

The plan's three main priorities are:

• Environment and climate change - Protecting the environment and leading the district to carbon neutrality in 2030

• Community resilience and wellbeing - Strengthening and supporting communities, so people feel included and connected

• Economy, recovery and regeneration - Supporting a thriving and resilient local economy

Under those priorities are 16 objectives and 74 key projects and activities. Progress will be monitored and reported back quarterly to each of the committees responsible for council services: Strategy & Resources; Environment; Housing; and Community Services & Licensing.

Cllr Doina Cornell, council leader (Labour), said: "At the heart of this plan is the ambition to make a real difference in our district, by working in partnership with communities and businesses to improve local people's health and wellbeing, help our economy recover and thrive, and address the biggest challenge of our time, the climate and ecological emergency.

"Against the backdrop of a decade of funding cuts to local government, we will keep investing in our communities, so support goes where it is most needed."

Cllr Catherine Braun, deputy leader (Green), said: "Supporting the transition to a green and fair economy is at the core of our new Council Plan. We'll continue to engage with residents and businesses to provide quality services and will focus even more on responding to the climate and nature emergency."

Cllr Ken Tucker, Liberal Democrat leader, said: "Much thought and work has gone into developing this new Council Plan, which extends until 2026. Elected members and officers have worked together to create priorities, exciting and ambitious projects and targets that will benefit all our residents and communities."

The plan, approved at a full council meeting on October 21, was developed in consultation with councillors and officers, plus the Stroud District Youth Council, and considered at Strategy and Resources, Environment, Housing and Community Services and Licensing Committees. The Plan was approved with no amendments by all of the committees.

To see a full copy of The Council Plan, visit https://bit.ly/3vQjsUA