7pm at the Hub

1.0 Introduction and Welcome
Jim Fiander, Vice Chair opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.
2.0 Minutes of/Matters Arising from Last Meeting
The minutes were approved, but for the amendments outlined below.

2.1 Jim Fiander – delete from present list.
2.3 Steve Merrick, not Meyrick

2.2 Matters Arising:
Mr Smith raised speeding in Ringwood Road. Cllr SF has received a letter from the Safety Camera Partnership – the site has been added to the list for the mobile camera.

2.3 2.1 Dennis Medlycott – DDA (Disability Discrimination Act)
Under the amendment to the Act in 2005, landlords cannot unreasonably withhold permission for amendments to premises. Where this is the case, the landlord must put in writing the reasons why. The retailer is the responsible person under the Act. Comment – it is not enough to do nothing.

2.4 2.3 Clarification on Computer Club. This was a private concern hiring the Memorial Hall. They did have wifi – their main activities were in the summer, so did not gain the footfall needed, so was abandoned.

3.0 Open Forum

3.1 SIDS Use (Speed Indicator Devices)
Enquiry on whether Dorset Police supported the training of members of the public to use the speed guns. This is not something undertaken in Dorset.
VTC is responsible for the location of the SIDs in Verwood and district.

3.2 Marilyn Warburton – DDA
This applies not only for people with disabilities, but for those less mobile. Has requested that the Memorial Hall installs the push pad electronic door access. VTC allocates grants every year. Confirmed that the Memorial Hall has bid for funding to improve access. Church halls are responsible for their own DDA provision and can also apply to VTC for funds. Application has to be submitted by end October for the 2010 budget allocation.
3.2.1 Ernest Warburton advised that maintenance and annual inspection were required and that it is difficult for organisations to sustain the ongoing expense.
3.2.2 Denis Medlycott requested that the Hub adjust the pressure of the doors, as they were too heavy to push open. An alternative to electronic doors is the provision of a bell or a light, to alert the need for assistance. Action Hub

3.3 Denis Medlycott – Footway access, west along Station Road
Narrow section between the Fire Station and Dewlands Road means that it is difficult to accommodate pushchairs, scooters, toddlers. There are plans to widen the footway, but the discussions have been ongoing for 3 years. The hedgerow needs to be moved and there are problems with the land ownership. There is to be a meeting with Highways.Action TC

3.4 Access to Park at Memorial Hall
It is difficult to access the park through the gateway with pushchairs, mobility aids, unless via a longer route through Vicarage Road and across the pot holes. A strip of tarmac would assist.
3.5 Lesley Swaffield – B3081, Bakers Hanging
Observed surveying of the junction 2 weeks ago. It was confirmed that there is a long term plan to improve the junction.

3.6 Nick Willis – Change in Bridleway route at Potterne Fields
Enquired whether horses have access to Potterne Park via Hazelwood Drive. The Bridleway has been removed from the centre and horses use paths around the perimeter. It appears that the designated bridleway at Potterne Park has been moved by the skate park. Has contacted Moors Valley, but not received a response.

3.7 Marilyn Warburton – Bugden’s Copse
Congratulated Moors Valley on the great job done with Bugden’s Copse, which has improved access for scooter users. Would be helpful to have signage for Morrisons.

4.0 Crime Report – PC Andy Robertson

4.1 The November Report for Verwood and Three Legged Cross includes 3 assaults, 3 dwelling burglaries, 8 non-dwelling burglaries (sheds and garages, common to this time of year), 1 vehicle crime and 20 criminal damage. In relation to the ND burglaries, 3 arrests have been made – local people. A detached shed/garage is vulnerable, especially if facing away from the house. Target high value garden tools, in early hours.

4.2 The area close to Morrisons has been experiencing anti-social behaviour (ASB). The police have made a leaflet drop to all households and seized vehicles.

4.3 11 speed checks have been undertaken in Verwood and 3X, including Ringwood Road, Manor Road, West Moors Road, Howe Lane, Champtoceaux Avenue, and a new location - Margards Lane.

4.4 Encouragingly, received 18 calls on ASB; and a couple of alcohol seizures. Ebblake Industrial Estate has been subject to an arson attack – enquiries are on-going.

4.5 A Joint Open Day between the Police and Fire Service is planned.

4.6 LAG Members gave a vote of thanks to the police for their work, paramedics, local services and volunteers for their response and support.

5.0 AOB

5.1 William Brasier enquired after the financial status of the local councils, particularly in the light of a very difficult year. Cllr Spencer responded - EDDC, DDC and VTC are experiencing a drop in income and increasing costs with more red tape. The local development framework is proving to be a complex and time consuming exercise. Challenging times next year. There is the prospect of recovering capital funds invested in the Icelandic Banks, but no interest. Things will become worse over the next 2 years as a result of the fall in interest rates. Efficiency savings are being made by sharing services as Dorset is a Pathfinder Council, and will further develop joint services across ED and Christchurch.

An average of 4.2% revenue support grant is awarded to councils, Dorset receives 0.5%.

Voluntary organisations are very concerned about the decrease in their income as some of the funding is being diverted to the 2012 Games.

5.2 Marilyn Warburton informed the meeting that the next VTC meeting is on 13 Dec and urged members to attend.

5.3 Ron Tomlin brought a selection of cycling maps/routes produced for the area.

6.0 Date of Next Meeting

Monday, 9 February, 7pm at the Hub.