Councillor Update
The snap General Election is over and done with but the repercussions will continue to affect all of us for a long time to come. One effect of Theresa May’s negotiations with the DUP has been the resignation of another Poole councillor from the Conservative Party, though he has not resigned from Council. This changes the composition of the council slightly, though the Conservative majority remains too large for opposition members to win any votes.
A recent peer review of the Council found several positive things to say, but also identifi ed areas for improvement including consultation. This came as no surprise to us since one of the most successful mediums for public engagement, the Area Committee meeting, was abolished 18 months ago and still has not been replaced with any other process. Furthermore, some cabinet decisions, including the hike in car parking charges, were rushed through over the Christmas period, giving little opportunity for public consultation or real scrutiny. Even when the decision was challenged, a 3,000-signature petition was ignored. We have called for a review of the price increases because not only has the use of Story Lane car park reduced, but we have also been approached by several businesses concerned that there has been a decline in trade as a result. We are currently collecting evidence in readiness for the review.
One bit of good news has been the re-opening of the Sandbanks Ferry toilets, though it would appear this is only temporary. There continue to be strong calls, from right across the Borough, for the Baiter toilets to be re-opened, but to date, the decision-makers appear not to be listening. We will continue to support residents in this matter, especially as the closure discriminates against the elderly and many with illness or disability. It is unacceptable that one of Poole’s best open spaces is no longer accessible to everyone to enjoy. Other examples of discrimination exist, for example, access to the trailway from Lower Golf Links Road is now in such a poor state of repair that it cannot be used by people in wheelchairs or mobility scooters. This issue was raised with council over six months ago and despite reminders, nothing has been done to remedy the situation. Dragons teeth have recently been installed in the Station Road car park by an access point from the trailway. We have not been told why they have been installed, but it appears they are restricting the use of the access point for mobility scooters. Yet another example of poor communication and consultation.
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Other issues that have been raised with us by residents include: planning applications, white line painting – or rather the lack of – on Higher Blandford Road, potential safety issues on Gravel Hill following the repair work, homelessness and begging, foodbanks, dog fouling on pavements and the recreation ground, Poole’s Local Plan review and the potential loss of green belt land, car parking and cuts in youth service staff. Never a dull moment!
Our next surgeries will be on Saturday 1st July and Saturday 5th August in Broadstone Library from 10am. No appointment needed.
Cllrs Mike Brooke & Vikki Slade
m.brooke@
poole.gov.uk 07584 168991
vikki.slade@
poole.gov.uk 01202 604191
Tree Surgery / Hedgecutting General Garden Work / Clearance
TPO Applications / Fencing For a free quotation call Ian on
Tel. 01202 621211 or Mob. 07778 277768
www.coppicetree.co.uk Fully Insured / NPTC Qualified
To advertise, please contact 01202 657317 or email
karen@broadstonelink.co.uk
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