Clean-up brings new life to Stroud’s historic canals
Volunteers play a crucial role in Stroudwater Navigation enhancements
A targeted clean-up operation along sections of Stroudwater Navigation is revitalising the canals in Stroud, with graffiti removed and areas repainted to restore these local spaces for walkers and waterway-users.
Led by Stroud District Council's Community Officers, the clean-up is partly funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gloucestershire.
This partnership acknowledges the importance of well-maintained public sites in reducing anti-social behaviour and enhancing community safety.
In collaboration with the Cotswold Canal Trust, volunteers are contributing their time and expertise, ensuring the waterways remain welcoming.
Graffiti that can be safely cleaned is being removed, while areas where removal is risky are painted over.
Volunteers are also introducing new planting to make wall surfaces more difficult to access for graffiti, using species known to deter such acts.
Angela Gillingham, Head of Community Services at Stroud District Council and Chair of the Stroud District Community Safety Partnership, said:
“Anti-social behaviour is a clear priority for the Stroud District Community Safety Partnership, and maintaining well cared for public spaces forms a vital part of that work.
"When places like the canal feel clean, safe and respected, people are far more likely to enjoy them and take pride in them.
"This project shows what can be achieved when partners and volunteers come together with a shared focus on safety, prevention and community wellbeing.”
The restoration of Stroudwater Navigation, a collaborative effort by Stroud District Council and the Cotswold Canals Trust, is working towards creating a fully accessible towpath connecting Stroud to Saul and further to the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal.
The initiative also aims to build a vital wildlife corridor linking habitats from the east to the west.
With more than 750 volunteers over the past four years, the project has secured over £16 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
To report graffiti or damage in the area, visit www.stroud.gov.uk/report-it