7pm at the Hub, Brock Way, Verwood

1. Introduction and Welcome
Jim Fiander, Vice Chair opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.

2. Minutes of Last Meeting – 8 December 2008

The minutes were approved, but for the amendments outlined below.

2.1 Item 3.2.1 It is Ernest Whatmore and not Warburton.
Item 3.6 was raised by Mick Willis, not Nick.

3.0 Matters Arising:

3.1 Item 3.2 DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) – Anne Abernethie responded on behalf of the Memorial Hall trustees. The Hall will be having an enclosed porch built in August 2009. The Trustees have a commitment in writing for funding in VTC’s contribution and will apply for further funding from EDDC. The trustees will than pursue push pad electronic door access.

4.0 Multi-Use-Games Area (M.U.G.A)

4.1 A presentation on the MUGA was made by Pat Morrow, who represents a small working group looking to improve facilities for young people in Verwood. They are working with the Youth Centre. The Group had organised a consultation at the Recreation Ground (the proposed site, subject to planning considerations), which had to be postponed as a result of the snow. (New date – Saturday 4 April, 10 – 3pm), which involved some of the suppliers with examples of MUGA equipment and plans. The equipment and facility is suitable for use by teenagers and adults and could include outdoor fitness equipment and all weather basketball/football area. It is early days and the group is looking for ideas and at how receptive people are towards such a proposal, prior to working up a project plan and seeking funding.

5.0 Town Plan for Verwood

5.1 There will be an open meeting on Monday 9 March from 7 – 9pm at the Hub.

6.0 Youth Cabin

6.1 RT – the Youth Cabin, adjacent to the Leisure Centre has not been used for one year and has been subject to vandalism. To be re-sited. Interest from other groups, but subject to planning permission. Potential use by end of March.

7.0 Crime Report - PC Andy Robertson

7.1 The Police are negotiating contracts with less than 10 young people (of 3,500 in Verwood) regarding anti-social behaviour. There is an excellent youth club and youth service provision in Verwood. AR does not think that a MUGA will be misused /abused.

7.2 January 09 – 18 calls regarding anti social behaviour (ASB). ASB is influenced by perception, doesn’t necessarily mean that a group of children are engaging in ASB.

7.3 36 speed checks were carried out in areas – Manor Road, Lake Road, Newtown Road, Hillside, Three Legged Cross, Margards Lane, Champtoceaux Avenue, Ringwood Road. The focus has been on schools where most complaints are received. Parents are the biggest offenders.

7.4 26 crimes were reported for Jan 09, a reduction of 33 compared with January 2008 - a significant drop.
This is partly attributable to the increased patrols in Verwood with the 3 special constables who patrol Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. One has been nominated for the Special Constable of the Year Award. The other two are also very good. They volunteer in their own time. Verwood is an exception in the area and the low ASB is as a result of their time and commitment.

7.5 AR received a letter from Christopher Chope concerning Leiderbach Way. Approximately 4/10 cars approach roundabout the wrong way. Leiderbach Way and other roads in the area have received leaflets regarding this issue.

7.6 Jim Fiander – leaflet to households in area around Bingham Road regarding anti social behaviour - snowballs. He’s a member of Bingham Residents’ Association and EDHA and no issues have been raised.

7.7 Concern raised about the inappropriateness of Does Lane speed limit of 60 mph.

7.8 Vehicle Defect Rectification Scheme – the police offer 14 days grace period. No longer issue tickets.

7.9 Anne Abernethie proposed vote for the LAG to thank the 3 special constables for their voluntary service and for their commitment.


Fire Service Report - David Hockaday

7.10 In January responded to 24 incidents, 9 RTIs, including 2 trapped in vehicles. There were 2 property fires outside the area, and 7 other fires. The fire service attended the flooded area at Manor Road/Potterne Way and pumped water out for 5 hours. They returned later and dug a drainage ditch.

7.11 Would like to thank the LA for their quick 20 minutes response when they ran out of salt at the station.

8.0 Open Forum

8.1 Pot hole at Lake Road - 100 yards beyond the GP surgery caused by weather - reported to police and local authority.

8.2 Morrison’s development – newspaper reported that Leisure Centre was to be refurbished. As any development will take 2 years to proceed once there is a decision EDDC has agreed to refurbish and maintain VLC for a further 2 years.

8.3 Are the toilets at Morrison’s permanently closed?


8.4 Cemetery Gates – are now padlocked restricting access times. The entrance has been narrowed and older drivers are finding it difficult to access.
Response – this action has been taken due to the fly tipping that has been happening at the cemetery.

8.5 Queen Elizabeth School Buses concerns about buses not having seat belts, drivers being reckless, breakdowns, and one tipped over in snow, no ABS - brakes. Contracting for transport services could be much improved. Action – Toni Coombs - DCC – Education via LC.

8.6 Ann Abernethie - Allotments - Verwood Town Council is working on this and where to locate. Looked at 30 – 40 plots of land, none suitable.

8.7 WOTS Project (Word on the Street – Youth outreach in Ringwood area – first phase, then roll out to other areas including Verwood) – bid for £50,000 through the People’s Lottery which was unsuccessful. Purchased an old bus for £3,000. Estimated £2,500 needed to upgrade mechanics and £500 for batteries. Need to refurbish and equip. Look to summer to launch. Request assistance with admin, publicity, Forest FM helps with free advertising.

8.8 Jim Fiander cautioned against inappropriate and discriminatory use of terminology.

8.9 Loss of central reservation enabling safe road crossing by fire station. Now have to cross two lanes of traffic by roundabout on a busy road. Home Farm Road to Champtoceaux Avenue. Action Toni Coombs – DCC – Highways via LC.

8.10 Road signs - Edmondsham Road (previously raised at LAG) – need no through road sign. Lorries are still directed in this direction and are have difficulty turning. The temporary signs are no longer there, and the planned permanent signage hasn’t materialised. Spencer Flower to respond via LC.

8.11 Identified need for signage for Morrison’s, who can apply for signage via Highways.

8.12 Car parking at Tesco’s. The Police reported 1 accident already. With the refurbishment the car park size has been reduced and leads to hazardous parking. A large Tesco lorry delivers daily, parks opposite and then reverses into car park. Potential accident black spot. How did it get through planning? Feedback -Spencer Flower via LC.

Marilyn Warburton values Tesco’s for mobility.

9.0 Any Other Business

9.1 50+ Forum meets Wednesday 11 February 10am -12.30 at the British Legion. Agenda items include: Message in a Bottle, First Responders, Ageing Well in Dorset and Update on Forum.

9.2 Chamber of Trade would like to thank the LAG for its custom and support.

10.0 Date of Next Meeting

Monday 6 April 2009, 7pm at the Hub. (Altered from 13 April due to Easter Bank Holiday).