TOILETS, cleanliness and green spaces are the top priorities for Stroud residents, according to the town council’s biggest-ever consultation. Meanwhile the initial survey results show the least priorities are the annual civic awards, the Christmas lights and the town centre entertainment.

The questionnaire was designed to help councillors set next year's budget.

Speaking at a recreation and finance committee meeting on December 1, deputy mayor Andy Read said: "It’s been a very successful activity.

"It’s given us lots of very good quality information, which we can use in a number of ways including lobbying other organisations."

The questionnaire, which was open to more than 14,000 people, was delivered to all homes in the parish in autumn.

Council officials have so far processed 150 of the 360 responses.

Out of 21 schemes, the plan to replace the Bedford Street toilets was the top priority.

The authority has pledged £10,000 if the district council can deliver the work within the financial year. Residents’ second priority was better town centre street cleaning by SDC and their third priority was protection of green spaces.

Demands for a bus station in Stroud was sixth on the list.

The town council has set aside a total of £9,000 to tackle cleanliness and bus facilities, with ongoing funding in future years.

Stroud mayor John Marjoram said members needed to lobby the district over the bus station.

"We didn’t put up a strong enough case to make sure there was a bus station in place," he said.

"When I look at the bigger picture, isn’t it a pity we don’t have the powers to respond for the local community."

Residents' least priorities were the annual civic awards, followed by the Christmas lights and the summer programme of entertainment on the Sub Rooms forecourt.

Councillors voted to reduce funding for the lights and scrap the entertainment.

Town councillors will meet with the district and county councils to pass on the survey responses.

The final questionnaire results will be published in 2009.