News From Westminster Over the last few months I have


been sending out postal surveys to constituents asking for their views. The survey covers a range of issues, focusing on communications infrastructure, including broadband and mobile reception. I am delighted by the


number of responses, with many people taking the time to respond, sometimes in great detail. I will continue to send these out, and I’m considering all the results and using them as evidence in my meetings with service providers and Ministers.


One issue that comes up frequently are the concerns people have about housing. There is a need for more housing so that local people have a place to live – particularly younger people looking to get on the property ladder. But this must be balanced with protections for our greenbelt, and ensuring that we are not simply covering our beautiful landscape. This is a diffi cult balance to get right, and I would welcome your thoughts on this subject. But it is especially important for us here in Dorset, where house prices are some of the highest in the country. Crucially, in my view, when we build houses it should be to address the needs of our local area fi rst.


You can’t discuss homes without considering the issue of homelessness, which is a challenge for every government. I was really pleased to be able to support the Homelessness Reduction Act through Parliament, including sitting on the Bill Committee to ensure that it was the best piece of legislation possible. This law will require earlier intervention by councils to prevent homelessness, becoming the fi rst major piece of homelessness legislation for 15 years. But I believe that actions often speak louder than words, which is why I spent a cold night in late November sleeping outside on a piece of cardboard. I did this with a local youth group, raising awareness of homelessness, and also raising money for the charity Routes to Roots in Poole. Some of their volunteers came to speak to the young people, to explain how we can help, and some of the reasons why people may become homeless. I was particularly pleased that so many teenagers joined in the event, helping to raise a signifi cant amount of money, whilst also learning from the experts


12


about the different causes of homelessness and what we can do to help.


I have also recently visited Waverley house in Wimborne. This is run by BCHA, which is a local specialist housing and support provider, who help homeless and vulnerable people access the right housing, health, learning and work opportunities. I often meet local housing associations, and I hear fi rst-hand from constituents about the issues they have with housing, homelessness and the challenges of fi nding somewhere to live close to where they work, or where their children are at school.


I continue to hold regular surgeries for constituents all year round and if you have an issue that you need help with, please do get in touch.


Michael Tomlinson MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole michael.tomlinson.mp@parliament.uk 01202 624216 • www.michaeltomlinson.org.uk @Michael4MDNP www.facebook.com/michael4MDNP


Upton Community Centre


LUBCA – Lytchett & Upton Beacon Community Association: Our AGM took place in November and a quorum of 35 residents attended a short meeting followed by refreshments in St Dunstans lounge. The committee would like to thank the church for the use of the church/lounge for this meeting.


The Chair’s report included a note on the sad passing of Mike Smith this year. Mike was the cornerstone of running LUCA for many years.


There have been several repairs and improvements made to the hall and premises throughout this year, and users will be pleased to hear we are close to sorting out the problems with the dividing doors. Also, the hall is now cleaned fi ve days a week. The fi nancial report was very positive and encouraging. Our aims are to continue with the necessary work to make the merger with the Beacon Association possible and to appoint new trustees and acquire a new workable lease for the premises, which we are aware still need considerable repair.


Hiring the Centre: Contact us for an application form, to be delivered to the Church offi ce (next to hall) with £50 deposit. Tel: 01202 624622 (Mon-Fri, 10am-12pm), email: churchoffi ce.1@btconnect.com


To advertise, please contact 01202 657317 or email karen@broadstonelink.co.uk


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40