Councillor Update
Our update this month focuses on two events, both of which have a direct bearing on Broadstone residents. The fi rst of these was our long-awaited meeting with the Head of Transportation Services together with the Portfolio Holder. It was no surprise to us that the hike in car parking charges introduced by the current administration last April has had a signifi cant impact upon the use of both car parks. Initially, the number of cars using the Station Approach car park fell dramatically, but over time the proportion of empty spaces has gradually diminished. The decline in use of the Story Lane car park appears to have stabilised around the level predicted by the council, which means it is now seldom more than three-quarters full. For the council this is not seen as an issue, because the receipts are showing a signifi cant increase and hence justifi es the original decision.
However, there are several impacts for Broadstone residents and businesses, and these should be taken into consideration when assessing the success or otherwise of any decision. There appears to have been greater pressure put on the toast rack and side roads around the centre, which is adding to parking problems, traffi c congestion and pollution. We are aware that some residents are no longer shopping in Broadstone resulting in a decline in footfall, and possible loss of trade. Coupled with the increased parking charges, this means money is going out of the local economy that would otherwise be spent in the local shops. This puts businesses at risk and potentially creates a worsening situation for everyone. It is hoped that the arrival of an M&S Food Hall early next year will have a positive impact for Broadstone. Both Vikki and I have been promised a full review of last April’s changes to car parking charges across Poole, and we have asked that the results are presented to the appropriate scrutiny committee.
At the same meeting we were able to discuss several other issues including various proposals for Dunyeats Road, including the possibility of 20mph speed restrictions in the school zones, improvements to the approach to the main roundabout, wider pavements and the potential for a cycleway. Nothing has been fi nalised and we will ensure full public consultation before any scheme is introduced. The overall aim is to improve safety for the school children as well as other pedestrians and cyclists.
The second event was the announcement by Sajid Javid, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, that he was “mindful” to approve the formation of two new unitary authorities for Dorset: one rural and the other urban and incorporating Poole, Bournemouth and Christchurch. It is assumed that this will now happen despite three district authorities –
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East Dorset, Purbeck and Christchurch having voted against the proposals. It is accepted that there are fi nancial savings to be made, especially for the new rural authority. These arise from the removal of District Councils, reductions in staffi ng levels – especially in senior management, and a reduction in the number of Councillors. However, this does not mean that Council Tax will fall. At present Broadstone residents, for example, pay between £260 and £400 less in Council Tax each year than Christchurch residents. Through the equalisation process, Broadstone residents can expect higher than normal increases. Because the Government wants to see the equalisation process accelerated – 3 to 5 years instead of 10 to 20 years – annual increases for Broadstone residents could be as high as 6%, if not higher, from 2019. There would be no additional services.
If you want to fi nd out more about the re-organisation and our views, come to our next surgery on Saturday 2nd December in Broadstone Library from 10am.
Cllrs Mike Brooke & Vikki Slade
m.brooke@
poole.gov.uk • 07584 168991
vikki.slade@
poole.gov.uk • 01202 604191
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