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BBC News
03-04-2025
- General
- BBC News
'Stuck' clock honours Stroud's old time zone
A clock honouring a town's old time zone has been unveiled at a shopping Stroud Time clock at the Five Valleys Shopping Centre is fixed at 12:09, in reference to the fact Stroud was once nine minutes behind Greenwich Mean Stroud time zone was retired in the Victorian era following the arrival of trains and an Act of Parliament to ensure the UK was under one time zone."We're always a little bit different and us being slightly out by nine minutes makes perfect sense," said Tony Davey, mayor of Stroud. Mr Davey said he hoped the clock would spark "good conversations" among residents."It just helps remind us that our culture here is really important and it's formed what we are as a town today," he said. Missed trains Up until and during the 19th Century, time was measured based on the position of the sun. Stroud lies 90 miles from Greenwich, so was nine minutes trains arrived in the mid-19th Century, the railways operated on London time."Anyone who came to catch a train missed it because they were nine minutes too late," said Marion Hearfield, who is a trustee at Museum in the combat the confusion, the government introduced The Statutes (Definition of Time) Act 1880, which enforced the adoption of Greenwich Mean Time throughout Great Britain. Museum in the Park is home to the original Stroud Time clock, made by jeweller Robert Bragg."Mr Bragg decided to solve this problem by putting a clock up that was labelled 'Stroud Time, town time," explained Ms Hearfield. Amanda Holmes, communication and engagement lead for Dransfield Properties, which owns the Five Valleys Shopping Centre, said the "Stroud Noon" installation in was really important to help people understand local history."We love the quirkiness of Stroud, it is a quirky town and we discovered this fantastic story about Stroud Time and found this beautiful clock," Ms Holmes said."We thought, let's build that story and create a bit of interest about Stroud Time here at the centre."
Yahoo
22-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Action taken as shoplifting 'increases' in Stroud town centre
A COLLABORATION between police and partner agencies has been 'crucial' in the fight against shoplifting in the town centre. Last week police said they were out supporting retailers in Stroud town centre following a recent scourge of shoplifting. Officers say they have had 'great success' in tackling the issue over the last few months following various incidents. These include when a large amount of stock was returned to a retailer - with arrests made - after several huge trolley dash thefts. And, together with Stroud Safe, more has been done to identify, prevent and investigate shoplifting offences. Stroud mayor Tony Davey said: "Crime against business has grown across the country in recent years with Stroud also experiencing this growth in crime. "The Stroud Safe network in town is a vital tool in fighting back crime against business, and a valuable way to help our Neighbourhood Policing Team and Response Team react quickly and decisively." Steve Lindsay, from Gloucester City Safe, said: "A targeted policing initiative in Stroud aimed at combating rising retail crime rates has led to a significant increase in successful outcomes, highlighting the effectiveness of a collaborative approach to retail crime, working with Stroud Safe and businesses. "With retail crime rates climbing nationally and hitting the headlines, Stroud Police have made tackling this issue a priority by way of improving investigations, the area has been able to better identify, prevent, and investigate shoplifting offences. "A key part of this operation has been the introduction of a dedicated retail crime officer, who has played a crucial role in focusing resources and monitoring cases daily. "The officer's work has been instrumental in driving a coordinated response to retail crime, ensuring that every possible avenue is explored to address offenders, encourage behavioural change, and safeguard retailers. "Additionally, the local Neighbourhood Policing team has provided vital support, engaging with retailers to ensure swift evidence capture and the prompt progression of cases. "This has led to a range of successful outcomes, including charges, custodial sentences, civil injunctions/Criminal Behaviour Orders, and out-of-court disposals, all aimed at managing offenders and curbing repeat incidents. "The scheme has been particularly effective in tackling repeat and prolific offenders, who cause the greatest harm to businesses. "Recognising the financial and personal toll that shoplifting takes on business owners, employees, and the wider local community, Stroud Police have focused efforts on both preventing and addressing these crimes in a manner that ensures lasting impact. "Since the scheme's launch in November 2024, the initiative has seen dramatic improvements in its outcomes. "The average success rate for shoplifting offences has risen from just 19 per cent in the previous nine months to 52 per cent, marking a significant step forward in the fight against retail crime. "This success could not have been achieved without the active support and collaboration of businesses and community partners, whose involvement has been vital to the scheme's overall effectiveness. "Stroud Police remain committed to tackling retail crime through ongoing cooperation and an unwavering focus on protecting both retailers and the community."
