10-06-2025
More CCTV and police patrols in clampdown across Stroud canal
NEW CCTV, more police patrols and removing graffiti tags are some of the measures being taken to reduce anti-social behaviour across the canal towpath in Stroud.
Volunteers from the Cotswold Canals Trust are working with town and district councils, the police and more in order to reduce anti-social behaviour along the canal path.
The aims of these measures is to make the towpath a 'safer' and 'more welcoming' space for everyone.
Measures include exploring options for more CCTV at 'hotspot' locations, more patrols by police and volunteers plus removing graffiti tags.
(Image: Cotswold Canals Trust) A CCT spokesperson said: "Our volunteers have taken the lead in uniting canal-side organisations to help reduce anti-social behaviour along the Stroudwater Navigation.
"In collaboration with Stroud District Council (SDC), Stonehouse Town Council, local PCSOs, Cotswold Canals Connected, parish councils, and canal-side residents, this joint initiative is working to make the towpath a safer, more welcoming space for everyone.
"CCTV options are being explored at hotspot locations.
"Regular patrols are being undertaken by CCT volunteers and Community Officers – including new evening walks
"Hazards are being removed and litter is picked weekly meanwhile graffiti tags are being overpainted and reported with funding being sought for wider removal.
"There is a focus on responsible dog ownership and a clear towpath code of conduct meanwhile there is also ongoing vegetation management and Giant Hogweed control to protect users and wildlife."
Gill Thomas, Stroud district councillor (Green, Minchinhampton) and CCT volunteer said: 'Tackling anti-social behaviour is critical to ensuring the canal remains a clean, safe and enjoyable space.
"The canal is one of Stroud's most important cultural assets, bringing tourism and investment to the area.
"It also plays a vital role in supporting an abundance of wildlife, and is loved by locals for its unique heritage and wellbeing benefits.
'We're working extremely hard to address ongoing issues like litter and graffiti and reminding all users about the importance of considerate use of the tow path.
"We all have a responsibility to not only take care of the environment, but also each other, and that's an important part of the work we're doing.'
A police spokesperson said: 'PCSOs from the Stroud Neighbourhood Policing Team are working in partnership with the Canal Trust and have regular meetings where we patrol the area and discuss any issues.
'A Neighbourhood Watch scheme is currently being set up in the area to help local residents and those in the community to also share information.
'There are deployable CCTV cameras which can be used by police and we are considering if they can be used in areas along the canal path that are of concern.
'We are aware of concerns about a broken viaduct gate and have liaised with Network Rail to facilitate for this to be repaired."
Anyone with concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area should complete this form -
