November newsletter

October was a very busy month for us. Details of what went on can be found on the website www.wcresidents.co.uk and we will only attempt a summary in this Newsletter

Possible funding to improve the B3073 (Hurn Road – Fairmile Road)

This news came out in our regular meeting with the CBC Executive Directorate. Bournemouth Airport want to expand their commercial and Industrial Estate, which in itself is good as it will bring new jobs to our area. As part of their plans they have agreed to provide funds towards improving: Parley Cross; Chapel Gate Roundabout; Blackwater Junction. This will leave DCC with some funds to find (particularly for Blackwater Junction) but still represents a significant step forward.

A full write-up of all the points we discussed with CBC are on the website, including an outline of the new waste collection system that will be coming your way.

New Scrutiny of Expenses by Dorset County Council

We met with Councillor Spencer Flower, the man who controls the purse strings at DCC. Amongst other things it emerged that he has instigated a new scrutiny system for managing council expenses that reminded us of what goes on as a matter of course in most companies. He has already achieved significant cost savings but is not satisfied and is aiming for yet more.

We discussed a wide range of issues with Councillor Flower, including DCC funds deposited in Iceland, and once again a full report is posted on the website

Public Consultations

Our public meeting was the usual lively affair and we thank the Councillors and CBC Officers that contributed with members of the local Traveller’s community making a significant contribution.

We attended a meeting with representatives of the proposed Morrison’s Supermarket development in Stony Lane. Among several suggestions that we made was the idea that they should contact local bus operators and try to obtain a better service from West Christchurch to their site

We also looked into the proposed Bailey Bridge development, which is very interesting although not quite as far progressed as the Stony Lane one.

If you’re wondering why we are suddenly receiving proposals to build supermarkets you will find the answer in our notes on our meeting with the CBC Executive Directorate where it outlines the forthcoming changes to the method of collecting and distributing business rates

The Missing Bus Shelter on Fairmile Road

No, it didn’t appear as promised so we will be back in touch with all concerned

The Trees on St Catherine’s Hill

Another draft of the Management Plan appeared in mid-October. We reviewed it and then met with Hurn Parish Council to share views. We all agreed that this is the best draft so far produced. We both made our comments before a full meeting of the Steering Committee on Friday 4^th November. Following that meeting, a further draft of the plan will be required and that means that the public consultation will now occur in February 2012 at the earliest.

A Message From Dorset Police

Yellow Pages will be delivered throughout our area during November. If you spot one perched outside a house that is temporarily or permanently unoccupied, please remove it from public view to avoid drawing the attention of burglars and squatters to the premises.

Local Events

Saturday 26^th November will be a busy day at The Hall on the Hill. The morning sees a table top sale for charity and the evening a sing-along with The New Forest Plonkers. You can get to the Hall’s website via ours at www.wcresidents.co.uk