Dorset

Two uniformed patrol officers started work on their new beat last month under the new Community Safety Accreditation Scheme.

Patrol officers Jon and Karoline on the beat in Weymouth

The officers have been employed by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, who have worked with Dorset Police, the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, British Transport Police, Dorset County Council and Weymouth BID to introduce the scheme.

Under the scheme, the specially trained patrol officers have some police and council powers delegated to them, such as enforcing the new Public Space Protection Order.

The officers, Karoline Johnson and Jon Williams, have quickly got to know their patch. Karoline said: “Working on the beat in Weymouth is busy, because we are so visible people want to stop and talk to us, which is great, but it means it can sometimes take two hours to cover the Esplanade.

Deterring anti-social behaviour

“Our role on the beat is to be highly visible and deter anti-social behavior. We are there to reassure people, if you see us and want to report anything, or let us know about something that has made you feel unsafe, come and talk to us, or you can email us.”

Anyone can email the patrol officers, their address is:patrol@dorset.gov.uk

Karoline explained that their job is complicated and sometimes involves working with people in crisis by engaging with them rather than just issuing fines. She said: “We are not Fixed Penalty Notice vending machines, anyone who thinks that we are only there to hand out fines will be disappointed.

“Our job is much more complex than that. We approach everyone with respect. Firstly we try to engage with people, who may be in crisis or suffering from mental health problems or addiction, to see if we can help them find the services they need to sort themselves out. We do not tolerate anti-social behaviour, and if necessary we do issue fines, but they are more of a last resort.”

Jon said: “Every day on the beat is different, we never know quite what to expect. If for example we see people begging then we explain that it isn’t OK. We explain the PSPO rules (Public Space Protection Order) and in most cases people are reasonable. We are positive about our work and we want to be a positive force in the town.

“Most people have been encouraging, although some have come up and criticised the scheme, I would say to them, give us a chance, we are working hard to improve your safety. Also please bear in mind if one of us is dealing with someone the other may not be able to give you their full attention, as covering each other’s safety has to come first.”

Work is underway to recruit two more additional patrol officers and further funding is being secured for the scheme. Weymouth and Portland Borough Council has ear-marked up to £140,000 for the scheme over the next two years. Funding for the scheme is also coming from Dorset Police & Crime Commissioner, Dorset Police, British Transport Police, Weymouth BID and Dorset County Council.

Mike Byatt, Community Safety Briefholder at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “Karoline and Jon are providing a great service for our town, people wanted to see more officers in uniform on the beat and that is what we have delivered. Having a highly visible presence in certain areas is important, which is why I am pleased we are recruiting more patrol officers.

‘Great service for the town’

“We listened to the public before deciding which areas to concentrate on. These areas will include, but not be limited to, the town centre including the Esplanade, Lodmoor, and the Rodwell Trail. Weymouth is a fantastic town with a lively day and night time economy. We are working hard to make it even safer for people to enjoy.”

Inspector Barry Gosling, of Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour remains a priority for the neighbourhood policing team as we know the impact it can have on local residents and these officers are providing vital support to our police officers and PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers).

“It is just one of a number of ways we are working with our partners to combat anti-social behaviour in the town and we look forward to continuing to work with them.”

The Police & Crime Commissioner for Dorset, Martyn Underhill said ’I am pleased to see that the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme (CSAS) is starting to bed in and that the officers have quickly become part of the community.’’

‘’I have been involved with the funding and introduction of CSAS since its inception in Boscombe in 2014, so I know what this scheme can contribute to the local communities it serves. I very much look forward to seeing the changes across Weymouth and the surrounding area as the scheme grows.’’

Claudia Moore, Weymouth BID Chief Operations Officer, said: “Weymouth BID is pleased that the patrol officers are out and about and we are looking forward to seeing the improvements that will soon be visible in the town centre.”

The patrol officers never know what they will have to deal with. Practical incidents they have managed include discovering a break-in, seeing that property is secure following criminal damage, recovering a stolen bike which was later returned to its owner and helping a mobility scooter driver, after their vehicle had fallen on them. They are both first aid trained.   

The special training the officers undertook is very thorough. It includes extensive security checks and vetting, fitting equipment such as body armour as well as providing detailed training so officers can carry out some police and council enforcement powers, such as issuing fixed penalty notices, and enforcing the new Public Space Protection Order. The order gives officers certain powers such as being able to require people to surrender alcohol in designated areas. The officers will also be able to gather evidence and be involved in the enforcement of Community Protection Notices, which place restrictions on individuals that persistently act in an anti-social manner.

 

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Organisations and businesses from across Purbeck have been recognised in this year’s Dorset Tourism Awards.

The Discover Purbeck Information Centre, Wareham received Bronze in the Information Service of the Year category at the ceremony at the Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts.

This is the sixth time the Centre has won a coveted Dorset Tourism Award, and it joined tourism businesses from across Dorset at the ceremony.

Other winners were: Swanage Railway – Gold; Burngate Stone Carving Centre – Bronze; Monkey World Ape Rescue Centre – Bronze; Lulworth Outdoors – Gold; and Create at the Cove – Gold and Silver

Councillor Caroline Finch, Deputy Economy and Infrastructure Portfolio Holder for Purbeck District Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted the Discover Purbeck Information Centre has once again received recognition at this prestigious ceremony.

“The Tourist Information Centre (TIC) team strives to maintain high standards, so we are proud to see their commitment recognised with the bronze award.

“We are also thrilled that the Swanage TIC won Silver this year.”

Councillor Finch continued: “TICs are vital centres of information for residents and visitors alike. They also help support our local economy by promoting local businesses and accommodation providers. These awards highlight how important these services are.

“It is also fabulous to see the district’s many businesses receive recognition for the service they offer.”

Both information centres went through a rigorous three-stage judging process. This involved initial scoring of an entry form, a programme of mystery visits and finally decisions by an independent panel.

The Discover Purbeck Information Centre, based in Wareham Library, is the first point of contact for many of Purbeck’s visitors. The Centre’s team offers a first class professional service and a wealth of local knowledge. They welcome almost 100,000 visitors every year, including local residents and those who choose to enjoy their holidays in the district of Purbeck.

Purbeck District Council’s Tourism Manager Holly Lagden said “The Dorset Tourism Awards are a free to enter scheme that provides valuable mystery shopper feedback. We find this useful to help us keep Discover Purbeck Information Centre running well and our team motivated, we recommend that tourism businesses across the district apply for 2019”.

Visit www.dorsettourismawards.org.uk for details of all the award winners and photographs.

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Weymouth is celebrating receiving a Purple Flag Award for its evening and night time economy at a recent ceremony.

From left: Jeremy Rucker City Dressing, Chris Meade Dorset Police, Dave Rees Street Pastors, Sam Goome Dorset Police, Edward Warr, Town Centre Manager and Sarah Walker Purple Flag Programme Manager.

A town landmark, the Jubilee Clock, will be turned purple on Friday to mark the presentation of the award, which took place earlier this month at a special ceremony in Chippenham. The flag itself will be raised outside the council offices also on Friday. (16/11)

The award recognises places that provide a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and residents.

Organisations that worked hard to secure the Purple Flag include Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, Dorset Police, the Street Pastors, Weymouth BID, Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce and Pub Watch.

Cllr Mike Byatt, Community Safety Briefholder at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “Weymouth is now officially one of the best places to enjoy a night out. I am delighted we have received the Purple Flag. It recognises the hard work that we and many other organisations have put into making Weymouth safer.”

Cllr Richard Nickinson, Economic Development Briefholder at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “I am delighted we have achieved the Purple Flag accreditation. We are committed to doing all in our power to promote our borough, as it all helps our local economy.”

‘Weymouth is vibrant and culturally rich’

Cllr Richard Kosior, Briefholder for Tourism, Culture and the Harbour at Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “This award shows what a vibrant and culturally rich place Weymouth is to enjoy an evening out. Our new patrol officers and the police work hard to make our borough even safer, so we can all enjoy a night out.”

Inspector Barry Gosling, of Weymouth Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our officers work hard with local partners to ensure that Weymouth remains a safe place to enjoy a night out.

“I am glad this has now been recognised and we will continue to do all we can to ensure residents and visitors experience a safe and enjoyable evening out in the town.”

Claudia Moore. Weymouth BID, Chief Operations Officer, said: “Weymouth BID is very proud to have been part of the Purple Flag accreditation process and congratulations must go to the team that worked so hard on it. We hope that this will bring new visitors to Weymouth and encourage our local residents into the town at night.”

Sarah Walker Purple Flag Programme Manager, said: “There are now over 70 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland who are proudly flying the Purple Flag after working hard to gain accreditation. The award is not just about safety, but also the vibrancy and diversity of the evening and night-time offer. This can only be achieved by people working together in a strong partnership to which we are seeing great examples of across the country”

The Purple Flag programme is managed by the Association of Town & City Management. It is an accreditation process similar to Green Flag Award for parks and Blue Flag for beaches. It leads to Purple Flag status for town centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.

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A BBC investigation finds more than 100,000 used needles were collected in the UK in three years.

Starting on 1 December, Purbeck shoppers and visitors will be able to enjoy some free parking in the run-up to Christmas.

Small Business Saturday – 1 December

Purbeck District Council and Wareham Town Council will be supporting traders on Small Business Saturday, 1 December. Free parking will be available in the District and Town Council car parks at Bonnets Lane; Connegar Lane; Howards Lane; Streche Road; and the Rempstone Centre, Wareham; and at West Street, Corfe Castle.

Pre-Christmas free parking in Wareham

The councils will also be waiving parking charges in their Wareham car parks on Saturday 22, Sunday 23 and Monday 24 December.

Pre-Christmas free parking in Corfe Castle

Free parking will also be available in Corfe Castle West Street car park on Saturdays 8, 15 and 22 December.

Councillor Cherry Brooks, Economy and Infrastructure Portfolio Holder for Purbeck District Council, said: “The district of Purbeck is home to a super selection of independent shops and businesses. Why not take advantage of free parking and get something different for friends and family this year.”

Councillor Brooks continued: “Christmas is a crucial time for business and free parking helps us all support our local traders.”

Swanage

Swanage Town Council will be providing free parking in its Broad Road and Main Beach long stay car parks on all the Saturdays in December and the first Saturday in January. On the other days in December, parking will be £1 per day in these two car parks.

 

Norden car park near Corfe Castle, and Dorset County Council-owned car parks at the Quay and St Johns Hill, Wareham are not included in the free parking offer.

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Plans are moving forward for the Worgret Road site in Wareham. A masterplan is being worked up by health and social care agencies that will ultimately see a health and care scheme developed.

 

In the meantime, there is demonstrable need for social care housing. So Dorset County Council are proposing to use temporary, modular housing for a short-term solution.

The reasons that people are in need are: discharge from long-term hospital accommodation, moving on from home, or currently living in inappropriate housing.

Relocatable, modular, housing can help with some of this short-term accommodation need. The buildings are made in a factory and lifted into position on site. They can be designed to meet specific needs, such as wheelchair accessibility.

Cllr Beryl Ezzard, county councillor for Wareham, said:

“This type of housing allows the council to use sites while medium and long-term plans are developed. There is a local need for housing and we need it quickly.”

Permanent housing can be developed alongside relocatable housing, giving people the opportunity to see their permanent house being built and then move when complete, freeing up the relocatable housing units for craning off the site and to a new location.

Currently there are 33 local people who need accommodation in the next 12 months. This need is not something that can be met through traditional building programmes. Also, there are 41 people in Purbeck who have a need for housing in the next five years which can be addressed by longer term plans.

A public information event was held 18 October to ask local residents their views on the plans. View this information online . This is an initial informal engagement and there will be a formal planning process in the next few months.

The post Next steps for the former Middle school site appeared first on Dorset news.

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We are delighted to offer free parking in some of our council-owned car parks in the run up to Christmas this year.

Car Parks taking part

Blandford Forum         All car parks free all day for small business Saturday  1 December                                                        All car parks free all day for Blandford Yuletide festival 12 December                                                  Christmas concessionary parking on Saturday 8 and 15 December

Bridport                            All car parks free Wednesday 5 December

Dorchester                       Free parking all day on Saturday 8, 15, 22 and Monday 24 December

Shaftesbury                     Free parking all day on  Saturday 8, 15, and 22 December

Sherborne                        Free parking every Monday in December (except 31 December)

Sturminster Newton   Free parking on Saturday 1 Dec and Tuesday 1 January

Cllr Mary Penfold, West Dorset District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Enabling, said: “We are delighted to offer free parking in our wonderful and unique county town for Christmas shoppers, or those wishing to indulge in our wonderful cultural attractions.”

Cllr Sherry Jespersen, North Dorset district Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community and
Regeneration, said: “We hope these free parking initiatives will give a boost to the towns’ businesses during the festive trading period. There are lots of economic challenges facing our local businesses, but this initiative will allow visitors and tourists to enjoy a leisurely shopping experience.”

Small Business Saturday

Small business Saturday is a grassroots campaign that highlights small business success. The campaign encourages customers to support small businesses in their communities. It will take place on Saturday 1 December.

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Over £25,000 has been given to community organisations and charities in the Dorchester and Bridport areas. The income from car boot sales in Fairfield Car Park in Dorchester and West Bay Road car park in West Bay is collected by us. It is then paid in to the car boot funds. Community organisations in the areas are invited to apply for the funds. A panel of town and district councillors award the grants from the many applications received.

Pre-school clubs, sports clubs, youth projects, projects for people with disabilities or long term health related issues and projects tackling social isolation were among those that benefited from the funding.

Dorchester Grants

Successful organisations were invited to a celebration tea at the Town Hall in Dorchester on Friday 14 September. There, they received certificates handed out by Cllr Mary Penfold and Cllr David Taylor [Mayor of Dorchester].

Cllr Mary Penfold, Chair of the Dorchester Markets Car Boot Fund said: “Every year the car boot sales raise a great deal of money for local organisations. We know that a little goes a long way for these groups that work so hard to make lives better for others.”

Who received what?

Volunteer Centre Dorset –  £500

Kushti Bok [A gypsy and traveller led organisations] – £100

1st Crossways Rainbows and Brownies – £350

Artsreach – £400

Broadmayne Scout group – £500

Charminster Pre-School – £238

Dorchester and District Amateur Boxing Club – £340

Dorchester Community Plays Association – £500

Dorchester Cricket Club – £400

Dorchester Disabled Club – £500

Dorchester Men’s Shed CIC – £175

Dorchester Municipal Charities – £500

Try This Dorchester – £400

Dorchester U3A – £132.30

Dorchester Youth and Community Centre – £500

Dorchester Youth Extra – £500

Dorchester Youth Theatre – £500

Dorset MIND – £500

Fizzy Boppers – £210

Friends of Dorchester West Station – £100

Home-Start West Dorset – £500

Mid Dorset Guide Association – £425

Piddlehinton United Football Club – £100

Relate Dorset and Wiltshire – £500

Ridgeway Community Radio CIC – £850

Rotary Club of Dorchester – £500

The Horse Course – £500

Transition Town Dorchester – £500

South West Dorset Multicultural Network – £500

West and Weymouth Domestic Abuse Forum – £500

Women’s Action Network – £500

Bridport Area

Successful organisations were invited to a celebration tea at the Salt House in West Bay on Friday 12 October. There they received certificates handed out by the chair of the panel Cllr Keith Day.

Cllr Keith Day, ward member for Bridport North, said: “The celebration tea is a great way to speak with local groups and understand all the ways they are making a difference in their communities.”

Who received what?

Dementia Friendly Bridport – £1000

Read Easy-Bridport – £500

Pilsdon Community – £450

1st Charmouth Guides – £250

1st Charmouth Scout Group – £210

Bridport and District Citizens Advice Bureau – £500

Bridport Area Development Trust – £750

Bridport Bowling Club – £250

Bridport Gateway Club/West Dorset Mencap – £450

Bridport Musical Theatre Company – £320

Bridport Young Performers – £385

Bridport Youth Dance – £500

Dorset Blind Association – £500

Dorset MIND – £500

Heritage Coast Canoe Club – £500

Home-Start West Dorset – £500

Loders Youth Club – £500

Melplash Village Hall Charity – £350

Skills Training Bridport – £1000

The Burrough Harmony Centre – £700

The Living Tree – £1000

West Bay WI – £500

The grant programme is now closed. plans for 2019 will be released in the New Year.

More information about the fund is available here.

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Christchurch Councillors will be receiving a report at the Community Committee on Wednesday 21 November on proposals to develop a 15-hectare Country Park on land stretching from Two Riversmeet Golf Course down to Stanpit Recreation Ground.

The report sets out a number of aims for the park with a key focus being on reducing pressure on environmentally protected sites such as Heathlands and Stanpit Marsh, increasing biodiversity and wildlife corridors, and introducing more activities connected with healthy living, volunteering, and appreciation and protection of the environment.

Members will also receive information on how the proposals will be funded and how further stakeholder and community engagement will be carried out in order that the community can derive maximum benefit from the area, in harmony with protecting the environment.

 

Cllr Margaret Phipps, Chairman of the Community Committee, said: “The proposals are potentially very exciting and it’s not every day that a Council is able to embark on creating a new park. There is huge potential here for a great recreational space for residents, coupled with the opportunity to improve biodiversity and wildlife habitats. Natural England have said that they are supportive of the Council’s approach to this project, and if  the Committee decides that this should go ahead, we must ensure that we maintain the correct balance of activities there so that local people can enjoy it without there being any harmful impacts on the environment.“

If approved the proposals will mean that the golf course adjacent to the Leisure Centre will be converted to public open space. The report highlights that the course currently only breaks even financially and that golf in the UK is overall experiencing a steady decline in players. However, it also points out that locally golfers have the option of being able to play at the Play Golf Centre which is also owned by the Council.

David Barnes, Strategic Director at Christchurch Borough Council, said: “There are not many local councils in the country who own two golf courses, so although golfers will lose Two Riversmeet they do have another facility on the doorstep. The Leisure Centre has over 1500 members and the Council have written to the 14 Members signed up exclusively for golf to inform them of the possibility that the course could be closed.  We hope they will join us in understanding the benefits to the wider community that opening up access to this area will mean in terms of more people enjoying the benefits of being close to nature, availability of a wider range of health and leisure activities, and the spectacular views.”

Should the Committee support the proposals a final decision will need to be made at the Full Council meeting in December with the further aim of the Council carrying out a launch event in March 2018.

You can view the agenda and papers here

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An independent scientific review says badger culling can have a modest effect in reducing cattle TB.

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Today (Monday 12 November 2018) Shadow Dorset Council’s Executive Committee endorsed the decision to progress with phase one of the Peninsula regeneration scheme.

Weymouth Peninsula development supported

The project seeks to deliver a leisure-led development which will strengthen Weymouth’s leisure and tourism offer and create a year-round destination. Phase one includes; a 100-room hotel, a pub/diner with rooms, improvements to public space, a walkway around the site, and harbourside improvements. All-weather, year-round leisure attractions, marine facilities and restaurants are proposed in phase two.

Support was given for all of the recommendations – including approval for the business case, funding arrangements, and demolition of the former ferry terminal building. The business case for phase one has previously been considered and approved by; Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s Harbour Management Board, Management Committee, and Full Council.

Cllr Jeff Cant, Leader of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council and Briefholder for Finance and Assets, said:

“It’s fantastic that our regeneration aspirations for Weymouth have been supported by the Shadow Dorset Council Executive Committee. Today’s decision to support phase one of the Peninsula development is a massive step forward in bringing the town into the twenty first century.

“The redevelopment of the Peninsula will create a new and exciting destination that will complement nearby attractions, as well as enticing new visitor demographics and improving the harbour offering. Increased footfall driven by the peninsula and a greater reputation as an excellent year-round holiday resort will seek to benefit the town immensely.

“We are one step closer to the creation of a legacy site that will benefit many generations to come and we look forward to receiving planning committee’s decision for outline planning consent at the end of this month.”

The next steps

The outline planning application is due to be received by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council’s Planning Committee on November 28. As the project progresses there will be an opportunity for local residents and the community to have their say and share their views on the detailed plans for the site.

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We are inviting local residents and businesses to comment on the development of a Dorchester town centre master plan. Pop in to the Council offices at South Walks House, Dorchester DT1 1UZ at any time to view the work in progress on the following dates:

• Thursday 15 November – 6pm to 9pm       presentations by Feria Urbanism at 6:30pm and 8pm

• Friday 16 November – 10am to 4pm           presentations at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm
• Saturday 17 November – 10am to 1pm     PResentations at 10:30am and 12pm

Getting a picture of the public’s aspirations

Cllr Anthony Alford, leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “We are delighted to invite members of the public to the consultations on the master plan. The aim of these events is to get a picture of the public’s aspirations for the future of Dorchester town centre. Whilst decisions about some sites have already been made by members of West Dorset District Council, this consultation will give the public the opportunity to see what is coming up in the short term and also what possible ideas could be considered for the longer term.”

Joint working our priority

The master plan aims to take a comprehensive approach to the future of the town centre.  Organisations will need to work together and this is why an overarching town centre master plan is important. The master plan will address:

• public realm and signage
• parking
• environmental impacts
• accessibility
• key development sites

Digital Survey

We look forward to seeing you there! If you are unable to come – or wish to submit your comments at a later stage – we are developing a digital survey. This survey will ask you questions that you would have seen at the event. We will be publishing this survey later this week.

The post When are the Dorchester Town Centre Master Plan Events? appeared first on Dorset news.