DAPTC Magazine DAPTC Magazine DAPTC Magazine DAPTC Magazine News for Town and Parish Councils in Dorset News for Town and Parish Councils in Dorset News for Town and Parish Councils in Dorset News for Town and Parish Councils in Dorset Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils Contents Page No. DAPTC Member 2 Council News Life saving at the 8 heart of the Community District Council 10 News Other news from 14 around Dorset The Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils provides advice, support, training and assistance to its member councils. The advice and support offered by DAPTC is backed-up by the Association’s links with the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) to which it is affiliated. Please feel free to contact us between 9am and 2pm at the address shown below: DAPTC Colliton Annexe DORCHESTER Tel: 01305 260972 Dorset email: [email protected]DT1 1XJ www.dorset-aptc.gov.uk Previous editions of this quarterly magazine are available at http:// www.dorset-aptc.gov.uk/DAPTC-Web/Default-10745.aspx Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16 Winter 2015/16 Wishing a Happy New Year to all from the DAPTC Executive Committee DAPTC news 22 DAPTC 23 Training dates DAPTC 24 Annual Conference
News for Town and Parish Councils in DorsetNews for Town and Parish Councils in DorsetNews for Town and Parish Councils in DorsetNews for Town and Parish Councils in Dorset
Do r s e t A s s o c i a t i o n o f P a r i s h a nd Town Coun c i l s
Contents Page No. DAPTC Member 2
Council News
Life saving at the 8 heart of the
Community
District Council 10
News
Other news from 14
around Dorset
The Dorset Association of Parish and Town Councils provides advice, support, training and assistance to its member councils. The advice and support offered by DAPTC is backed-up by the Association’s links with the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) to which it is affiliated. Please feel free to contact us between 9am and 2pm at the address shown below: DAPTC Colliton Annexe DORCHESTER Tel: 01305 260972 Dorset email: [email protected] DT1 1XJ www.dorset-aptc.gov.uk
Previous editions of this quarterly magazine are available at http://www.dorset-aptc.gov.uk/DAPTC-Web/Default-10745.aspx
In a bid to get closer to the community, Wimborne Minster Town Council threw open its doors on Saturday 21 November 2015 so that residents could get to know a little more about how the Council runs. The Mayor Cllr Shane Bartlett made it a priority in 2015 to increase the level of public engagement by stepping up communications. The first step was to appoint a Councillor as the Public Relations Coordinator and initial actions have been to enhance social media activity, create a hard copy newsletter with more regular ones to follow, plus the introduction of an e-newsletter for residents that sign up to emails. To kick off this new era, the Town Council thought an Open Day would be ideal. The Mayor commented: ‘We thought it would be great to have Councillors at the Town Hall to show residents around and explain how we work, the Chairman of Wimborne BID was also present to talk a bit about what they do and how we work together for the sake of the town, we also had plans on display of the future developments to encourage discussion’. The Mayoress had been busy baking, so visitors were encouraged to indulge in a slice of cake or mince pie along with a cup of fair trade tea or coffee served by volunteers of the Fair Trade group. Ideas and suggestions were put forward on the day from residents who were able to wander around the Jubilee Garden and Council Chamber, all under the protection of the Militia and Town Mayor’s Serjant! If you would like to sign up for email updates from the Town Council, please contact [email protected]. Photo shows the Town Mayor’s Serjant ordering his Fair Trade cup of tea.
Town Council hosts Open Day
Blandford Forum Town Council
Remembrance Services 2015
In addition to the Royal British Legion’s Remembrance Service at the Blandford Cemetery, the Town Council, in partnership with the RBL, Blandford Camp, local churches and the Dorset Police also holds a Remembrance Sunday Parade and Church Service.
A number of wreaths were laid against the war memorials on the front of the Corn Exchange, with music provided from The Blandford Stour Valley Brass Band. Local residents sang a hymn in the open air prior to the church service following a parade.
The Town Council also joins in the national silence on Armistice Day, with a short service being held at the front of the Corn Exchange. The Town Council was honoured to welcome the Garrison Commander from Blandford Camp along with local residents, shopkeepers and visitors in the national silence.
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DAPTC MEMBER COUNCIL NEWS
Sturminster Newton Town Council
Dealing with an “eyesore”
Ever since the redevelopment of Sturminster Newton’s former livestock market site (which included the Exchange arts and entertainments venue, a new medical centre, a supermarket and new offices for the Town Council), part of the site has remained undeveloped. Surrounded by ugly fencing and accumulating weeds and litter this prominent town centre site quickly became known as “the Eyesore”. For years Town Council members and staff received regular requests to do something about it but since the land remains in private ownership it wasn’t at all clear what that something could or should be.
Eventually, the local community partnership, SturQuest, organised a well-supported petition to North Dorset District Council to treat it as “blighted land” and exercise its statutory powers accordingly. Officers advised that the condition of the land did not meet the necessary criteria and this led the Cabinet to seek a consensual resolution instead by involving District officers, the Town Council, SturQuest and even the local MP in discussions with the site’s owner. A local landscape designer produced a design for a “temporary community meadow” on the site free of charge. SturQuest took the lead in negotiations with the owner and is co-ordinating the fund-raising and volunteer labour to create the meadow. The Town Council agreed to accept a licence to occupy the site, to act as project fund-holder and to maintain the meadow once completed. The District Council provided reassurance to the site owner about planning issues and site reinstatement costs when development is eventually able to proceed. The outcome is not universally popular. Some local residents would have preferred to see the land used in other ways. Others disapprove of the money being spent for a benefit that is only temporary and on land which remains privately owned. However the response has been overwhelmingly positive and some donations have been extraordinarily generous. Sturminster Newton Town Council did not lead this project and has committed only limited resources (and no taxpayers’ money) to it but by using the General Power of Competence and taking a flexible approach to the problem, it has helped to facilitate an outcome that promises to bring benefits to the town and enjoys widespread support.
Pictured: plans for the temporary community meadow
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DAPTC MEMBER COUNCIL NEWS
West Moors Parish Council
In September 2015, West Moors Parish Council launched a competition for children aged between 5 and 9 attending Oakhurst First School and St. Mary’s C of E First School, in West Moors. This was to give the children the opportunity to design a new Christmas card for West Moors Parish Council to send out at Christmas. The children had to design a bespoke Christmas card within their classrooms, that could be drawn, painted, collaged using any materials, or be computer generated. Children from both schools submitted various designs which were initially judged by their Head teachers / Governors, in October. The nominations were then passed on to the Parish Council, who made the final decision on the winner and runners up. The Council was highly impressed by t h e l e v e l o f imagi nat io n and innovation which all of the entrants showed in their designs and choosing a winner was a difficult decision. The designers of the three winning entries were presented with an art set and sincere congratulations on 4th December, by Cllr Penny Yeo, Chairman of West Moors Parish Council, at the Carol Service.
Pictured above: the winning reindeer design and Christmas tree designs by the runners up.
Children’s Design a Christmas Card Competition 2015
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DAPTC MEMBER COUNCIL NEWS
Corscombe, Halstock and District Parish
Council
The Red Post at East Chelborough, one of only four in the county, has been renovated by the Parish Council. It had rotted and been vandalised. The County Council couldn’t help. With some guidance from Dorset AONB and small grants from them and County Councillor Michael Bevan, the work was completed for about £500. A new roundel had to be cast by Bridport Foundry, spare parts had to be sourced, the arms and lettering had to be repaired or replaced by our wonderful local handyman-enthusiast, and the whole fingerpost then had to be painted in the correct shade of red.
The triumphant result was unveiled on a cold January day. Now we just have to tackle all the other black and white fingerposts languishing in our parishes – seven missing arms, lots of letters, arms askew, wobbly poles and so on...... No one seems to have a valid explanation for the red posts. There are some which might apply to the one at Botany Bay, but the others are more off the beaten track and scattered in the county. There are few elsewhere in the country.
Renovation of an unusual red fingerpost
Pictures show Left: County Councillor Michael Bevan ‘unveiling’ the post. Right: Cllr Bevan, Parish Council Chairman Henry Lovegrove, and Steve Whitlock (who did all the work) standing proudly by.
Pimperne Parish Council
Bus Shelter available
Following the opening of the new school in Pimperne, the bus shelter in Down Road is no longer required. The shelter, which measures 5 m x 2.5m x 1.3m (approx.) and is in good condition, needs a new home. Pimperne Parish Council would be pleased to consider any reasonable offers for the shelter, based on a buyer collect basis.
For further details contact Chairman Peter Slocombe on 01258 453419 or Parish Clerk Bryn MacGregor on 01258 269225 or via email on [email protected].
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DAPTC MEMBER COUNCIL NEWS
Blandford Forum Town Council
Lieutenant Wilfred Watts was 23 years old when he was killed in action on 17th January 1916. His regiment was the Royal Flying Corps 1st Squadron and he was awarded the Croix de Guerre. Formerly Dorset Yeomanry attested Royal Flying Corps on 15th October 1914, Farnborough, Hampshire, he was promoted to Sergeant on 16th October 1914, graded 2nd class flyer on 2nd November 1914, graded 1st class flyer on 1st March 1915 and promoted to 2nd Lieutenant on 13th November 1915 (National Archives WO 339/49017).
A site at Blandford Cemetery was purchased by Clarence E J Watts on the 21st January 1892. John Watts, 6 month old son of Clarence E J Watts, was buried in grave number A438 on 22nd January 1892, but no memorial was erected. Lieutenant Wilfred Watts was the second son
of Clarence E J & Jessie Watts. A memorial was installed on the grave site of Clarence E J & Jessie Watts’ first son, but to commemorate their second son (pictured right).
T h e i n s c r i p t i o n o f t h e w a r m e m o r i a l r e a d s : In Loving Memory of Lieutenant Wilfred Watts, Pilot Royal Flying Corps, In his 23rd year, Second son of CEJ & Jessie Watts of Blandford, Killed on Jan 17th, 1916, Whilst flying over German Lines at Dadizeelem and interred at Ledeghem Belgium. Was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm at the battle of Loos, Set 25th 1915. For King and Country.
Unfortunately this memorial was laid down due to vandalism at the Cemetery in 2014. Following partnership working between the Town Council and the Royal Air Force Association, the War Memorials Trust offered a grant to cover 75% of the total cost of repairs to the war memorial. Local funeral directors, Lesley Shand, have kindly covered the remaining 25% of the total cost. Lt Wilfred Watts was remembered, along with others, at the Blandford Branch RBL Remembrance Service at the Blandford Cemetery on Sunday 1st November 2015.
Pictured above: Mr Nick Douch, Managing
Director of FC Douch, Mr Shane Watson,
Manager and Mrs Kathryn Clark,
Administrator from Lesley Shand Funeral
Service with Cllr Steve Hitchings, Mayor of
Blandford Forum, at the war memorial
following the repairs which have now been
completed.
Timely repairs to War Memorial
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DAPTC MEMBER COUNCIL NEWS
Gillingham Town Council
Burton Bradstock Parish
Council Festive Lighting Event
The Corncrake Working Winners of the Environmental award 2015. Sponsored by Magna and DCC. The group have done hedge laying, tree planting and sowing wild flowers in the field known as Corncrake, purchased by the Parish Council in 2012 for community benefit.
The Burton Bradstock Volunteers The BB Volunteers meet twice a month in the village, picking up litter, cleaning play equipment, digging ditches and anything that that needs doing to keep their village spick and span! Finger Post Project With support from an AONB grant, funds from the DCC divisional grant and lots of hard work by the parish repairs and maintenance exec and volunteers who have refurbished 5 finger posts in the Parish.
The residents of Gillingham and the surrounding area turned out on the evening of Friday 4th December to watch the annual Festive Lighting Parade and Christmas Tree Switch On . The parade was lead by the Gillingham Imperial Silver Band and included children from local nurseries, primary schools and youth groups who had all made lanterns to carry on the night. The steam engine, ‘Duke of Kent’ pulled a trailer carrying Gillingham’s carnival p r i n c e s s a n d attendants. Staff and friends dressed as c h a r a c t e r s f r o m Disney’s film Frozen. Father Ch ristmas completed the parade a r r i v i n g i n a magnificent carriage pulled by Monty the shire horse. The Mayor of Gillingham welcomed everyone and announced the Brainwave shop as the winner of the Christmas Window Competition and Gillingham Primary School as the winner of the schools large lantern competition. The Mayor and Father Christmas switched on the Christmas tree lights and the sky was lit up with fireworks. The Gillingham Community Choir, accompanied by the Gillingham Imperial Silver Band, entertained by singing carols on the Town Meadow. Children visited Father Christmas in his grotto and met his reindeer whilst their parents enjoyed mulled wine. Music played on the vintage musical organ. Children were able to meet and have photos taken with Olaf the snowman and friends.
Winners of the 2015 Dorset Best Village
Competition (large village) and the
Environmental award .
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DAPTC MEMBER COUNCIL NEWS
Life saving at the heart of the community
Over 3,600 people are resuscitated by ambulance staff every year in the South West because they suffer a pre-hospital cardiac arrest. For every minute that passes in cardiac arrest, a person loses a further 10% chance of survival, and with this dramatic loss in chance of survival, there is a need of a defibrillator every 4-5 minutes walk. Without doubt this availability would improve cardiac arrest survival rates throughout the South West. A defibrillator is a device used to give an electric shock to help restart a patient’s heart when they are in cardiac arrest. If there were more public access defibrillators, more people could get a life saving shock as quickly as possible, ahead of an ambulance, which would assist in giving them the best possible chance of survival. This is where we would like your involvement, please. Is there a defibrillator in your community and, if so, are 999 aware of it? If not, could your community fund raise in order to purchase one? Your fundraising could save a life. Our leased scheme runs for 4 years and costs approx. £2,000. This includes an annual training session, an external or internal cabinet, the replacement of pads and batteries, and of the unit - should it be damaged, faulty or lost. We also provide an advice and welfare support service. British Heart Foundation and Community Heartbeat Trust also provide defibrillators and to find out if funding is available in your area please get in touch. For more information, or to tell us of a defibrillator in your Parish, please contact Kate Fisher on 07973963530 or [email protected]
A life saving defibrillator has been installed on the external wall of the St Peters Finger pub in Lytchett Minster. Funded by Dorset Partnership for Older People Programme (POPPS), South Lytchett Camping and Caravan Park and donations from residents, this machine will serve the community of Lytchett Minster. Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council are grateful to Hall and Woodhouse for installing the machine and supplying the power to it. Around 30 local residents have been trained in its use. The council is now aiming to recruit about 10 villagers to support the scheme by becoming part of the VET’s team (Village Emergency Telephone System). All this involves is being willing to be called up in the event of the machine being needed and collecting it and taking it to the casualty.
Lytchett Minster & Upton Town Council
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DAPTC MEMBER COUNCIL NEWS
Pimperne Parish Council
Pimperne-based gym Rob Lukins Fitness has marked the first anniversary of its opening by donating a defibrillator to the village. The device, which provides a high energy electric shock to restore a more stable rhythm to those suffering from cardiac arrest, is a key lifesaving step in the chain of survival. The defibrillator will be stored centrally at the village shop, providing easy access to ensure treatment can be administered as soon as possible. In addition Pimperne School PTA is launching a fundraising initiative to provide a cabinet for the device, while the Parish Council will be arranging training courses to ensure that sufficient villagers are able to use the equipment. Rob Lukins Fitness was launched in January 2015 and has quickly become established as a valuable facility for Pimperne residents and surrounding villages. The gym, which is based at Stud Farm, currently has around 120 members and is already expanding into one of the adjacent larger farm buildings. The new building will be available in January 2016 and once this is up and running the existing building will be converted to offer classes such as Yoga, Pilates and Spin to provide even more opportunities for health conscious villagers.
An expert training session, carried out by Community Heartbeat, was held in West Moors Memorial Hall on 4th November, 2015. There was fantastic support from the public to this free training session organised by the parish council. The volunteer trainer, Mr Dave Laut had a very positive response from the attendees. There were 54 people present, coming from West Moors, West Parley, St. Leonards and Ferndown. These included local residents, parish councillors and members of Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club. During the seminar those present received demonstrations and discussed the treatment for an unconscious casualty and featured information about personal safety, assessing the incident and patient, general guidelines for using a defibrillator, CPR and handover to the emergency services. It is hoped that the attendees left with more confidence to perform chest compressions, give rescue breaths and use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) machine. West Moors Parish Council thank Community Heartbeat for providing such essential training, a huge thanks to Wimborne and Ferndown Lions Club for their very generous donation of the defibrillator and to The Co-Operative for hosting this life saving equipment on their premises. This familiarisation session was so popular that another one was arranged for 25th November. This was to ensure that those who could not attend the day time session did not miss out on the opportunity of being able to assist an individual in a cardiac arrest emergency more efficiently.
The public need to be aware that if they find someone unconscious they must dial 999 and the emergency services will inform them where to locate the nearest defibrillator and how to gain access to the equipment.
West Moors Parish Council
Life saving at the heart of the community
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DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS
Boost for business as site gains Enterprise Zone status Purbeck District Council has helped to secure the future of employment land in the district, thanks to a successful bid for Enterprise Zone status. The Council, in partnership with Dorset County Council, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), has been awarded Enterprise Zone status for land at Dorset Green Technology Park, formerly known as the Winfrith Atomic Energy Authority Site. The granting of this status follows an application by the LEP to the Government in September 2015, developed by Purbeck District Council with the support of the HCA. Enterprise Zones are part of the government’s long-term economic plan to support business and the creation of jobs by transferring the leadership of growth to local areas. Councillor Cherry Brooks, Economy and Infrastructure Spokesperson for Purbeck District Council, said: “This is a great opportunity to stimulate regeneration that will increase jobs, not only in the district but across Dorset. It also provides the impetus to create an advanced engineering cluster of excellence here in Purbeck.” Councillor Brooks continued: “Dorset Green is a significant asset for the district and the Council is committed to its future success. Enterprise Zone status is a huge boost for the existing businesses, providing confidence in the site’s long-term future.” Councillor Brooks added: “This status will also provide significant encouragement for new private sector investment in the site.” Enterprise Zone status provides a range of benefits for businesses, including a 5-year business rate holiday for companies relocating to a site with the status. It also enables business rates generated from new development to be retained and spent locally to support the site.
Other benefits include access to superfast broadband and streamlined planning permission.
The Dorset LEP, which recognises the opportunities provided by Dorset Green, supported the application. The Chairman of the LEP Gordon Page said "The success of the Enterprise Zone application is a testament to Dorset's councils and businesses working together for the benefit of Dorset's economy. “We welcome the government's decision. It will help unlock the huge potential of the Dorset Green site, enabling existing businesses to expand and encouraging others to join them, helping to boost the rural economy and contributing to Dorset's overall competitiveness.” Purbeck District Council and Dorset County Council are in the process of acquiring 6.2 hectares of land on the 40 hectare site from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), which is the freehold owner .This purchase follows the announcement that the current leaseholders of the site had gone into receivership in 2014. Investment was needed in the site to provide reassurance to existing thriving businesses on the site and build future confidence. The land at Dorset Green is owned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), the Government’s national housing and regeneration delivery agency for England.
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DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS
Kevin Bourner, Head of Area for the HCA says: “When we acquired the Dorset Green site in 2014 we were determined to ensure it became a major asset for the local economy. Today’s announcement is a huge boost to the package of measures we’ve already put in place, which will create new jobs and attract vital private investment. “By working alongside Purbeck District Council and Dorset County Council, a strong partnership has been formed across the public sector, to drive the site forward towards a prosperous future.” The District and County Council will now roll out their plans for the site in 2016, including commencement of the building of units for small and medium-sized businesses. A detailed marketing campaign will also be put in place to attract developers to provide business space for local, national and international companies, complementing the growing global businesses already on site.
Council staff retain customer services award Staff from three Dorset councils have retained a national award for customer service. Revenue and Benefits staff from Purbeck District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council successfully retained the Government’s Customer Service Excellence Standard award following an annual review. The accreditation, first awarded in 2014, covers a 3-year period with annual reviews to monitor progress and ensure South Dorset Revenues & Benefits Partnership is still compliant. The Government’s national award for excellent customer services looks at delivery, timeliness, information, professionalism and staff attitude. Research has shown that these are key areas for successful customer service. Councillor Jeff Cant, Chairman of the Partnership Board said: “This award confirms the continuing commitment of the staff to great customer service. It’s fantastic news to hear that the award has been retained and I would like to thank staff from the three councils in this partnership for their dedication to serving the public and maintaining the excellent service the partnership provides.” Councillor Gary Suttle, Leader of Purbeck District Council said: “This continued achievement reflects the commitment and dedication of staff to provide an excellence customer service. This is testament to the excellent joint working that has helped us develop a successful partnership”. Confirming retention of the award, the Customer Excellence Assessor said: “The partnership continues to deliver high levels of customer focus from professional and friendly staff who go the extra mile to resolve customer queries. Progress has been made across all elements of the Standard over the past year and one partial compliance has moved to full compliance with progress being made on most other partial compliances. High levels of compliments again are recorded for the Partnership from customers over the past year.” West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council have been working in partnership to deliver revenues and benefits services for the people of south Dorset since 2006. Purbeck District Council joined the South Dorset Revenues & Benefits Partnership in 2009. For more information visit www.dorsetforyou.com/benefits
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DISTRICT COUNCIL
NEWS
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News from the Dorset Councils Partnership The pioneering Dorset Councils Partnership between North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council and Weymouth & Portland Borough Council is progressing. The three councils are working together to transform services and reduce their costs by £6 million by 2020. Services are being transformed so they are more customer focused and easier to access online. Under the partnership each council remains independent and equal with its own councillors who continue to make local decisions about services. They now share a single workforce but each council continues to set its own budgets and council tax as well as maintaining their separate identity and sovereignty. New Management Structure in Place New Management Structure in Placet Structure in Place A new shared management team has been appointed and has begun work for the three authorities. The new management team is smaller which will help reduce costs. Three chief executives have become one, six and a half directors have become four and 20 heads of service have become eight with four corporate managers. New Staff Email Addresses Staff Email Addresses If you want to contact a member of staff from North Dorset District Council, West Dorset District Council or Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, please note that their email addresses have changed. The new addresses are: [email protected]. This means if you are emailing John Smith his address will be [email protected] Emails sent to old addresses will still be received by staff. Sign-up for free e-newsletters You can keep up-to-date with Dorset Councils Partnership news by signing up for free e-newsletters at dorsetforyou.com/e-news
News from West Dorset District Council Award for Lyme Regis Phase IV works for Lyme Regis Phase IV works The Lyme Regis Phase IV Sea Wall and Promenade works have won another award. The 47th annual presentation of the Concrete Society's Awards for Excellence in Concrete awarded the Lyme Regis project overall winner against 14 other UK projects. The judges said: "The project stood out for the dual-purpose preservation of both the town and local community but also for the preservation of the Jurassic Coast and its World Heritage Importance, and its visitors from the global community - at the same time linking them structurally and aesthetically."
News from North Dorset District Council E Empty Homes AppealHomes Residents in North Dorset were given the chance to find out more about bringing empty homes back into use during the recent National Empty Property Week. North Dorset District Council asked people to get in touch if they were aware of an empty property in their area. Government commissioned research estimates that there are 1.6 million households or nearly 4 million people in housing need in England. While bringing empty homes into use cannot possibly provide homes for all of them, it could house a significant proportion and reduce pressure to build on green fields.
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DISTRICT COUNCIL NEWSDISTRICT COUNCIL NEWSDISTRICT COUNCIL NEWSDISTRICT COUNCIL NEWS
There are enough empty properties in England to provide hundreds of thousands of people with a home. Most people agree that it makes sense to bring empty homes back into use. Empty properties can give rise to fear of crime, anti-social behaviour such as fly tipping and in the long term, degeneration of the property and neighbourhood or squatting and arson. North Dorset District Council has a dedicated Housing Enabling Officer to help and support owners of an empty property. For more information, contact Jo Rickman by emailing [email protected] Treatment agreed for the Blandford Fly A decision has been made to continue to treat the River Stour in 2016 to control the Blandford Fly. The decision was taken at a meeting made up of North Dorset District Council, East Dorset District Council, Christchurch Borough Council, Poole Borough Council, Public Health England, the NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and the Freshwater Biological Association.
News from Weymouth & Portland Borough Council Emergency planning exercise—9 March 2016 exercise – 9 March 2016 Portland Port is one of a number of ports in the UK authorised to accommodate nuclear powered vessels for the Royal Navy. The submarines are equipped with extensive safety equipment. Local authorities and the emergency services have a duty to prepare for emergency incidents, however unlikely they are to occur. On 9 March 2016 the relevant local and national agencies will conduct an exercise to test how they would respond to an incident involving a nuclear powered submarine berthed at Portland Port. Residents may see some emergency vehicles plus Ministry of Defence and Maritime & Coastguard Agency staff walking around the area. This will be part of the exercise to check that we are fully prepared in the highly unlikely event of an incident. Letters will be sent to residents advising them of the exercise and notices will appear in the media and be sent out on social media. More information is also available at dorsetforyou.com/emergencies/portland-port-off-site-reactor-emergency-plan Protecting Weymouth from flooding Long term plans examining how best to protect Weymouth from flooding are being drawn-up. The plans, which examine how best to protect the town centre, harbour area and the Esplanade from sea and river flooding until 2115, are being developed by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council and the Environment Agency. The Weymouth Town Centre and Harbour Defence Policy, which includes plans for a tidal barrier, new harbour walls and improvements to the Esplanade’s sea defences, looks set to cost around £106 million over the next 100 years. Currently more than £50 million is likely to be available from various sources including central Government (DEFRA), the Environment Agency, the Dorset Local Economic Partnership, developer contributions and the borough council. Further funding is also likely to be available from other sources including Dorset County Council. A Weymouth Flood Defence Vision Document outlining how the town can be best protected from the risk of flooding has also been drawn-up by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council. It is likely that work on the harbour walls would be carried out first, followed by improvements to the Esplanade. More information is available at dorsetforyou.com/flood-vision/weymouth
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Superfast Dorset—update Superfast Dorset has now completed 80% of its fibre broadband roll out across Dorset, bringing 72,000 Dorset households and businesses faster, more reliable broadband as the project heads into its third year. Many small, rural communities in Dorset have benefitted significantly from the programme in 2015. The village of Moor Crichel received the 400th fibre cabinet of the project, and Tolpuddle again leads its own communications revolution more than 180 years after the injustices to the Tolpuddle Martyrs captured the attention of the British media. Residents of these communities and others of all sizes across Dorset now have the means to enjoy the full range of domestic and commercial benefits that superfast broadband brings. Coverage has improved throughout Dorset this year. From Gillingham to Weymouth, Lyme Regis to Christchurch and those in between, Superfast Dorset has also continued work to improve coverage in many of the larger towns in Dorset. Availability information can be easily found on Superfast Dorset’s website. More than 18 per cent of those with access to the technology have taken up a service county-wide, an eight per cent increase from the same month a year previous. This climb in take up is certainly in part due to the help received from parish and town councils across Dorset in promoting the benefits of the technology. It’s still important that residents are kept informed about the arrival of the service and how to get it so that the take up goal of 30 per cent is achieved. The higher the level of take up, the more funding that the project will receive to continue to improve Dorset’s digital landscape, bringing the utility to even harder to reach communities. As always, Superfast Dorset is more than willing to send promotional materials and answer any questions on request. Please use the contact us by emailing [email protected]. 2016 will see the end of the projects initial contract, enabling thousands more access to superfast broadband as a result. Later in the year, plans for the project’s second contract will be announced. Keep up to date on this and everything else from the project by following @superfastdorset on Twitter. Residents should be encouraged to visit dorsetforyou.com/superfast to find out if their community has been enabled and reminded that an upgrade is not automatic. If work has been completed in their area, they should call their service provider and ask to switch to fibre broadband. If faster broadband isn’t available yet, residents should be encouraged to sign up to receive an email notification on Superfast Dorset’s website when the service becomes available in their area. As always, we thank you for your continued support and patience while we work towards improving the digital landscape of Dorset.
OTHER NEWS FROM AROUND
DORSET
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OTHER NEWS FROM AROUND DORSETOTHER NEWS FROM AROUND DORSETOTHER NEWS FROM AROUND DORSETOTHER NEWS FROM AROUND DORSET
Watch, share, comment & stay involved with the Clinical Services Review Over the past year we have been talking about the Clinical Services Review and the need for change. We all want health services which are safe, sustainable and of the highest quality. The challenge is to continue delivering this today, while transforming services so they are fit for the future. We think it is important that as many people as possible understand why the NHS in Dorset needs to change. We have created a short film, (only 3 ½ minutes) which we are asking people to watch and share which helps explain:
• Why the NHS needs to change
• What is being done about it
• How everyone can get involved.
Once you have watched this film, please share the link below as widely as possible across Dorset to colleagues, friends and family.
http://www.dorsetsvision.nhs.uk/the-need-for-change-film/ We would also like to encourage everyone to stay informed and involved. This can be done by:
• Visiting Dorset’s Vision to find out more and read the latest updates on the review
• Liking us on Facebook and following us on twitter
• Getting involved and joining our Health Involvement Network for regular updates.
We think it is important that you, as local leaders are able to understand the need for the NHS to change, so over the next few weeks we will be visiting your area meetings. This will give us the opportunity to show the film and to answer any questions you may have. If you have any questions about the film or why the NHS in Dorset has to change, please contact: [email protected]
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Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, in partnership with the Environment Agency, recently held a Winter Awareness event in Weymouth. In light of the ongoing risk of flooding in the county, The Flood Advisory Service was invited to take part in the event. On a windswept but thankfully dry day in early December the newly launched Flood Advisory Service articulated trailer made its way down to the Pavilion in Weymouth, and was joined by what is possibly Dorset Fire & Rescue Service’s smallest vehicle. The Winter Awareness event, held just two days before Storm Desmond wrought havoc amongst communities in Cumbria and Lancashire, was a salutary reminder as to the nation’s vulnerability to severe weather events. In December 2013 over 50,000 homes went without power through the Christmas period, 600 of those being local; and it could happen all again this winter warns the Flood Advisory Service. Managing Director of the Flood Advisory Service, Sarah Marriott explains. “You’ll no doubt already know that flooding happens throughout the year, not just in the colder months. The date of 19 July 1955 holds a particular significance for Dorset. On that day, in Martinstown, 11 inches (28cm) of rain was recorded, it was the most to fall in a period of 24 hours in the UK. And in July 2012 a month’s worth of rain fell in 24 hours causing widespread flooding in Dorset. So it’s no wonder flood defence and prevention has become a hot topic for debate not just here locally but on a national scale.” The Flood Advisory Service, a not for profit organisation established to help communities throughout the UK facing the devastating effects of flooding, offers free advice to home owners and small businesses covering individual flood risk, practical guidance on flood insurance, and impartial advice on a holistic range of flood prevention Kitemark certified products such as flood doors, anti-flood airbricks and non-return valves. Previously MD of one of the UK’s leading dedicated flood defence specialists, UK Flood Barriers, and with a background in delivering some of the country’s largest PLP (property level protection) schemes, Sarah realised that there was a real need to connect and communicate with local communities, driving awareness of flood risk and the availability of self-help measures. Crucially the Flood Advisory Service only recommends the use of flood defence products that have gained the ‘gold standard’ in the industry: the BSI Kitemark PAS 1188 certification. Sarah Marriott goes on to add “It is vital that when individuals put their trust in a product it has been tried and tested, the Kitemark offers this peace of mind. When it comes to protecting a property from flooding, it’s absurd to think that until now there has been no recognised installation standard that property owners could look to and trust. Kitemark certified products are obviously a must but unless installed by qualified professionals can they really be trusted to perform if the worst happens?” Sarah continues: “Under UK law, you can’t have a gas appliance fitted or maintained by anyone other than a Gas Safe engineer. Here at the Flood Advisory Service, we believe customers who are at risk of flooding also deserve the protection of a quality standard backed by a globally recognised body, the British Standards Institute. It’s clear from our discussions with residents as we’ve travelled around the country, there is still little if any understanding of how they can take control and best protect their properties.” The Flood Advisory Service has quickly become a single point of contact for vulnerable communities and the general public affected by flooding to turn to for help and independent advice. For further information please visit www.floodadvisoryservice.co.uk; call us free on 0800 970 3950 or email [email protected].
OTHER NEWS FROM AROUND DORSETOTHER NEWS FROM AROUND DORSETOTHER NEWS FROM AROUND DORSETOTHER NEWS FROM AROUND DORSET
The Flood Advisory ServiceThe Flood Advisory ServiceThe Flood Advisory ServiceThe Flood Advisory Service
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Dorset CPRE provides grants for a variety of projects. We have assisted vigorous village groups, each with their own website and fund raising activities, who are campaigning against intrusive and unsuitable wind and solar farm proposals. Dorset CPRE treats each grant request on its merit. Over the past eighteen months we have funded the following projects: Tolpuddle Against Industrial Turbines (TAINT) £6,000, Slyer’s Lane Wind Farm Campaign two donations of £5,000 totalling £10,000, Buckland Newton residents £500 for legal fees to challenge WDDC lack of Enforcement, Dorset Best Village Shop category £150, Rural retailing – 2015 and beyond – a Seminar for Village Shops £150, Sherborne Stop the Litter Campaign £100, The Chickerell Community Litter Team £100, ADVERSE website objecting to housing at Vearse Farm in Bridport £100 The branch also paid for the campaign mailers for Blandford Hill Wind Farm, Slyer’s Lane Wind Farm and Mapperton Solar Farm. Many of our district groups support local activities. Dorset CPRE will also consider giving money to causes other than campaigns that oppose something. Suggestions include arts/crafts and replacing fingerpost signage. An important criterion is that the funding requests must meet our charitable objectives which are to seek to improve, protect and preserve for the benefit of the public, the countryside and the market towns and rural villages of the County of Dorset. Contact [email protected] for details required to initiate a funding request to Dorset CPRE.
Need funds for a project in 2016? Campaigns funded by Dorset CPRE
OTHER NEWS FROM AROUND DORSET
Dorset Campaign to Protect Rural England
Health Watch Dorset—Your independent consumer watchdog
Do you need information about a local health or care service (doctor, dentist, hospital, care home etc)? Want to know how to raise a concern or a complaint? Want to tell someone what you think about the services you use - good or bad? Healthwatch Dorset can help! Healthwatch Dorset works with local people to discover what's really going on in health and care services across the county. They offer free and independent information, signposting and they use your experiences of health and care to improve local services. Joyce Guest, Chair of Healthwatch Dorset, told us: “I got involved because Healthwatch Dorset is a real opportunity to make a difference. We can be honest with the NHS & local councils and tell them exactly what people think – both good and bad. Then we work with them to make the improvements local people would like to see.” "Over the last year Healthwatch has had many successes, including making improvements to GP surgery patient information, access to dentistry and our latest project gathered feedback about homecare from over 700 people across Dorset. We also won a 2015 national award for our volunteers, which we're really proud of. This year one of our priorities is working with carers to make sure their voices are heard. If you want to find out more and maybe get involved yourself, please get in touch." You can contact Healthwatch Dorset by:
• calling 0300 111 0102 (calls cost the same as 01 or 02 numbers)
• writing to us free at Freepost RTJR-RHUJ-XBLH Healthwatch Dorset, 896 Christchurch Road BH7
Do you help provide essential services to rural communities? Do you work in a rural enterprise looking to grow? Are you developing high quality tourism facilities? The Northern Dorset and Southern Dorset Local Action Groups (LAGs) have been awarded £3 million of European Rural Development Programme funding to support new and innovative projects until 2019/20. The LAGs welcome applications at any time, from community groups and organisations, as well as businesses and individuals for projects which create jobs, increase productivity or support the wider economy of the local rural area. Projects must be based in either LAG area. Southern Dorset LAG includes Portland, the Purbeck District Council area and from Lyme Regis to Dorchester in the West Dorset District Council area. Organisations from the Sherborne area, East and North Dorset can apply for funding from Dorset’s other LAG – Northern Dorset. It’s great news for organisations based in East Dorset and Dorchester who will be able to apply for a LEADER grant for the first time. Some of projects which the LAG could fund include:
• Helping communities provide imaginative solutions to ensure the survival and strengthening of
village services;
• Enhancing community and cultural facilities;
• Enabling tourism providers and rural communities provide year round visitor activities and better
access to some of our special places.
• Helping an existing rural business grow, creating space and employment opportunities;
• Starting a new business in a rural area;
• Helping farm businesses diversify into new activities;
• Improving woodland management, new products and particularly woodfuel;
• Helping producers improve the processing, marketing and distribution of local products.
For more information about how to apply and the type of projects the Local Action Groups want to fund please see the website www.dorsetleader.org.uk or contact James Roberts Tel. 01305 225525.
LEADER grants to support rural communities now open for applications
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Dorset Community Action Advice, Networking Events & Training February to April 2016
• 2 Feb: Christchurch Civic Offices - Information & Advice Surgery
• 3 Feb: Training- Evidencing need for funding, Blandford Fire Station
• 8 March 2016: Working With You Community Information & Networking Lunch, St John’s
Church Hall, Fortuneswell, Portland, 10am-1pm
• 9 March: Training - Trustee, roles, responsibilities and recruitment, Blandford Fire Station
• 10 March: Networking Event Purbeck – venue TBC
• 16 March: Networking Event North Dorset – venue TBC
• 17 March: Christchurch Civic Offices - Information & Advice Surgery
• 22 March: Networking Event Ferndown – venue TBC
• 23 March: Sturminster SturQuest Community Office - Information & Advice Surgery
• 24 March: Wareham - Information & Advice Surgery
• 13 April: Training - Funding, Blandford Fire Station
Dorset Best Village Competition launched for the 30th Year! Dorset Community Action has launched the Best Village Competition for this year – and we are celebrating the competition’s 30th anniversary! ANY village community group can enter one or more of a number of competition categories including:-Best Kept Village; People’s Project; Environmental Champions; Best Village Shop; Neighbourliness Award. Full details and an entry pack can be found at www.dorsetcommunityaction.org.uk Or phone the volunteer organiser Rita Burden on 01929-459417 email [email protected] Need Advice about Keeping Warm and Saving Money This Winter? The Big Energy Saving Network is a project designed to help vulnerable people to get the right information and help to understand their options for saving money on energy bills. The project is being delivered by Dorset Community Action (DCA) across Dorset until mid March 2016. We offer free advice and information sessions to help people to make the best choices about energy suppliers and to understand more about saving energy. Where necessary clients will be referred to other agencies for detailed advice and support. DCA will also offer information sessions for frontline workers to enable give accurate, good quality information to their clients about energy issues, budgeting options and benefits. The sessions we organise are not only about providing help, advice and information; they should enable vulnerable consumers to take action for themselves. The delivery of training to frontline workers aims to give them the tools to support clients on a day to day basis. If you would like to book a free information and advice session, please contact [email protected] or ring 01305-250921.
OTHER NEWS FROM AROUND
DORSET
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In 2014 two informal meetings were held, attended by professional, academic and amateur archaeologists from across Dorset. The intention was to consider the impact of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) on the archaeological heritage of the county.
It was recognised that informed members of local communities could play a role in helping to assess planning applications for their impact on our archaeological heritage. It was proposed that a pilot project be set up to cover East Dorset.
Members of the East Dorset Antiquarian Society (EDAS) volunteered to set up an independent team to undertake an assessment of the weekly list of planning applications issued by the East Dorset District Council (EDDC).
Subsequently the East Dorset Archaeology Planning Group (EDAPG) was formed with a small number of informed volunteers, including two representatives of local parish councils, and has developed procedures and skills to undertake a basic desk-based assessment. To ensure that all interested parties were aware of the project, discussions have been held with representatives of the EDDC Planning Department, with Steve Wallis the Dorset County archaeologist responsible for assessing planning applications and with Claire Pinder who manages the Dorset Heritage Environment Record.
Since May 2015 EDAPG have been assessing all the planning applications issued by EDDC on a weekly basis. The EDDC Planning Department are informed of any planning applications that have the potential to affect archaeological features, by updating their database online. Steve Wallis is also sent a list of those planning applications by email.
Interest in the project has gradually been growing. In September, Professor Tim Darvill gave a talk to the annual conference for the Council for Independent Archaeology, held in Wimborne, when he explained the risks now placed on our archaeological heritage and the work being undertaken by the project. EDAPG were invited to meet with representatives of East Dorset Parish and Town Councils to explain the purpose and objectives of the project. EDAPG has been contacted by representatives of councils regarding specific planning applications, to provide further information about the impact on potential archaeological features. EDAPG has been invited to give a specially prepared presentation to the Ferndown Town Council Planning Committee “An Overview of the Archaeology of Ferndown”. The project is generating a great deal of interest within Dorset and it is being actively discussed by the Dorset Archaeological Committee and the Poole Maritime Trust.
This is still a pilot project and it will continue until May 2016 when the group will assess progress and consider the success of the initiative. It is anticipated that the work will continue thereafter and that groups will form to cover other areas in Dorset and beyond.
For further information contact: Andrew Morgan, email [email protected]
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East Dorset Archaeology Planning GroupEast Dorset Archaeology Planning GroupEast Dorset Archaeology Planning GroupEast Dorset Archaeology Planning Group
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What’s available for families in your area? Did you know that there’s a great source of information at your fingertips? Dorset County Council’s Family Information Directory is a one stop shop for a whole range of things that families can access in their local area including:
• Childcare providers and after school clubs
• Support services
• Children’s Centres
• Groups, clubs and activities for tots to teens
• Special educational needs and disability support for 0 – 25’s
• Food banks
• Jobs clubs
And much more ……. Take a look and see what’s available in your area at familyinformationdirectory.dorsetforyou.com. Whilst the Directory is as comprehensive as possible, you may know about other groups or activities in your area that we don’t. If there’s something running in your community that you think we should know about, why not let us know? Simply email [email protected] with the details, including their contact information. For more information about the services offered Visit: dorsetforyou.com/fis, Email: [email protected] Tel: 01305 221066
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DAPTC NEWSDAPTC NEWSDAPTC NEWSDAPTC NEWS
First impressions When I started this job in July, my knowledge of the Association was limited to my experience working as Chickerell Town Clerk. I had attended many DAPTC training sessions and used its website and advice, so I had a fairly strong impression of the Association’s work and purpose. It wasn’t until my first week that I started to see the much wider environment that the Association operates in. I had already picked up on the enthusiasm and interest (bordering on passion!) that many of the councillors and clerks feel for their sector, but I hadn’t really appreciated all the hard work carried out by Association representatives at a county and national level. The DAPTC’s five area committees meet every quarter, the members travelling in all weathers to their evening meetings. Each council with DAPTC membership is entitled to send two representatives to discuss local issues which are reported to the DAPTC Executive Committee. There is also the Town and Larger Parishes Committee which meets quarterly in the daytime at different locations across Dorset. All the committees are supported by dedicated Chairmen and our Area Secretaries who reliably organise the meetings and agendas, arranging interesting speakers. The Executive Committee is made up of representatives from each area and is responsible for the financial viability of the Association. It also receives reports from our representative appointed to the National Association of Local Councils (NALC). In addition to providing a legal service to us, NALC lobbies the Government on strategic issues affecting town and parish councils. Every DAPTC member council has the right to make proposals for our AGM to consider sending to NALC’s Policy Committee which decides the priority issues to lobby on. As well as debating these issues, the AGM is an opportunity for representatives from each council to get involved in general discussion. Unitary proposals were the hot topic at the last AGM in November. Picking up on the concerns voiced by our members, the DAPTC conference on 3 March will follow up on the impact of future change on our sector. Speakers from Cornwall, Wiltshire and Somerset are booked to give their experience of new ways of working for their communities. A senior Civil Servant from the Department of Communities and Local Government will be speaking on devolution of services. See page 24. I am very fortunate to work with Debbie Hollings and Lisa Cooper, who many of you know as the friendly faces at events and at the end of the phone. I am also very grateful for support given by DAPTC Chairman Haydn White, Vice-Chairman John Parker and President David Jenkins. Just in case you don’t know them, I include a photo taken at Christmas.
By Hilary Trevorah, DAPTC Chief Executive
Pictured left to right: DAPTC Chairman Haydn White, DAPTC Chief Executive Hilary Trevorah, President David Jenkins and Vice-Chairman John Parker.
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DAPTC TRAINING CALENDARDAPTC TRAINING CALENDARDAPTC TRAINING CALENDARDAPTC TRAINING CALENDAR
To make bookings to attend (via the clerk), please complete the booking form on the DAPTC website at the end of the details for each individual course or seminar or contact us for more details.
DAPTC welcome contributions to the magazine which are relevant to Dorset’s Parish and Town Councils. The views and opinions expressed in the DAPTC Magazine do not necessarily represent the views of the editor or of DAPTC. Where space is at a premium, the editor reserves the right to shorten articles as appropriate.
Please check the DAPTC website for more details about the courses below and for other courses, conferences and seminars running throughout 2016 after the publication of this magazine.
DAPTC would like to thank everyone involved in the running of courses, conferences and seminars in 2015 and all who have attended. We look forward to
welcoming councillors and clerks to our redesigned courses, conferences and seminars in 2016.
Thursday 3rd MARCH 2016 DAPTC Annual Conference
Kingston Maurward College, Nr Dorchester 9.30am-3.30pm Please see draft programme for the day on page 24 Cost: £60.00 to include lunch and all tea and coffee breaks.
Essentials for councillors West-Part 1 Parts 1 & 2 at: Dorset Youth Association, Dorchester 10am-12noon Essentials for councillors West-Part 2 This course consists of two separate sessions. The cost of £65.00 will be invoiced to your council after part 1 has been run. This is for all councillors, new and experienced. It covers the organisation of the parish council, financial responsibilities, commenting on planning applications along with many other essential aspects of parish and town council work.
APRIL & MAY 2016
Sat 16th April. Part 1 Sat 21st May. Part 2
APRIL & MAY 2016
Essentials for councillors East—Part 1 Parts 1 & 2 at: Tarrant Keyneston Village Hall 10am-12noon Essentials for councillors East—Part 2 This course consists of two separate sessions. The cost of £65.00 will be invoiced to your council after part 1 has been run. This is for all councillors, new and experienced. It covers the organisation of the parish council, financial responsibilities, commenting on planning applications along with many other essential aspects of parish and town council work.
“Impact of Local Government re-organisation on Parish and Town
councils” on
Thursday 3rd March 2016 9.30 am – 3.30 pm
at Kingston Maurward College, Dorchester DT2 8PY
DRAFT PROGRAMME—timings to be confirmed
9.30 am Registration & coffee
10.00 am Hilary Trevorah—welcome and housekeeping. David Jenkins DAPTC President to open the Conference. Sarah Mason, Chief Officer at Cornwall Association of Local Councils and Rob Andrew, Communities and Devolution Team at Cornwall Council Lance Allan, Town Clerk, at Trowbridge Town Council, Wiltshire 11.15 am Coffee John Connell, Head of Neighbourhood Services at the Department
for Communities and Local Government Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group
1.00 pm Lunch Mel Usher of Frome Town Council (NALC star council of the year 2015)
Open session with DAPTC Executive and Area Chairman
