The Verwood Hub at 7pm

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

2.0 Minutes of Last Meetings: –

2.1 The minutes of the last meeting were approved.

3.0 Matters Arising:-

3.1 In the absence of Toni and Spencer, Spencer submitted a report on their behalf, updating on actions taken since the last meeting:
5.1 - Grass cutting 166/168 Ringwood Road. Officers have agreed that this grass should have been cut. Has now been included on cutting schedule.

5.2 - Ringwood/Woodlinken Roads - Request for traffic island As previously reported Ringwood Road is too narrow not leaving enough width for pedestrian safety. No action possible. Matter closed.
5.3 - Bus Stop at Blackmoor disappearing into overgrown hedges. Matter reported will chase again if not dealt with.
5.4 - Street lighting, footpath between Bingham and Potterne Park. Matter investigated. Lighting at this location in three ownerships. EDDC/EDHA/DCC. Non functional. Work now on schedule for repair.

Fire site – Ebblake Ind. Est. Gas cylinders open to public. Owner of property traced, but out of country. Pressure to make site safe for benefit of community safety. Cylinders to be encased in proper fencing. Promise that work would be carried out asap at cost to EDDC with a charge on property for future recovery.

Concern was expressed by a LAG member that fridges have since been dumped and the gas cylinders remain. The fence has been knocked down and needs to be re-done. Ron is to find out when the work on the site is to be actioned. It was suggested that if the situation continues that people phone the DCC Helpline and report it as a major health and safety issue. Action RT

Bridleway issues at Potterne - Site visit took place with Matt Reeks and John Williamson. Tidying up identified and some new signage agreed. Promises made that work would be carried out asap.

4.0 Updates:-

4.1 Town Plan for Verwood & Three Legged Cross
Catherine Boulton reported that members of the Steering Group were attending the Three Legged Cross Dog Show on 19 November and the Farmers Market on 28 November. These events provide the opportunity to promote the idea of a Town Plan, gain feedback through a mini survey of the areas of concern and recruit to the Steering Group or themed sub-groups. A website has been launched giving more details about the Town Plan process and progress http://verwoodtownplan.org .

4.2 East Dorset Community Partnership
Ron Tomlin advised that the first meeting of the new Executive Board was held in September. The LAG would continue to function in a similar way until April 2010. The December meeting would focus on discussing the way forward for the LAG in terms of support and role.

4.3 Police Update
No report available for the meeting, but PC Andy Robertson conveyed through Jim that Halloween had been low key, with no major issues. It was suggested that Flameburst was likely to have helped dissipate some of the issues usually associated with Halloween.

Fire and Rescue Service – Dave Hockaday, Station Commander
October – 21 incidents including 5 road traffic incidents; 5 false alarms. 3 special service calls, 2 fuel spills, cat up tree, 6 fire calls. Also attended 2 over-border incidents in Hampshire. There weren’t any incidents associated with Halloween – a quiet period.

5.0 Open Forum

5.1 Diana Baker – Street Lamp Replacement – questioned their replacement. It’s their routine replacement time. The current lamp-stands are deteriorating. The new ones are more energy efficient with lower emissions. It featured in the DCC newspaper a year ago, notifying of the contract and the overall saving being made across the country.

5.2 Ann Abernethie – Verwood Memorial Hall – reported that the volunteers average 100 hours/month. A number of volunteers were nominated for an award ceremony organised by the Dorset Volunteer Centre and received awards.

From 1 February, work starts on the new enclosed porch which will enable easier access.

LAG members congratulated the Memorial Hall volunteers on their achievements.

5.3 Ernest Whatmore - LAG Role – conveyed the concern of VTC that it overlaps the work of the Council. It was thought that it complements the work of the Council and enables engagement with the community. Suggested that the VTC is sent a copy of the minutes via Val Bright, Town Clerk. These are already sent via EDCP. A VTC Councillor representative is usually at the meetings and reports back.

5.4 Kenneth Archer - Badgers, Spring Close/Gwen Anstey, Manor Lane, backing onto Springfield Road/Gardens/ The Copse – Having issues and seeking advice. House backs onto land owned by DCC which is a wilderness. Home to 6 badgers. Causing damage to garden. Spoken to Bill Green, a badger expert. Needs management of the land. Jim to refer to Toni Coombs to take to DCC. Ron to take advice on the subject. Action JF/TC & RT

6.0 AOB

6.1 The Hub has appointed a new chef. Christmas menu available 23 Nov – 23 Dec. Choice of menu. £9.95 for one/£15.95 for two.

7.0 Date of Next Meeting

7.1 Next meetings @ 7pm at the Verwood Hub:
- Monday 14 December
- Monday 8 February