The Verwood Hub at 7pm

1. Introduction and Welcome: Jim Fiander, who apologised for the absence of Notes from the last meeting, but they would be attached, with the Notes of this meeting, to the Agenda for the meeting on 8 February 2010.

2. Apologies: Catherine Boulton, Secretary, Mr & Mrs Dawson, Tony Kirby, Peter Kingsbury, Derek Martin, Police, Richard Partridge, Val Bright, Town Clerk

3. Reports:
a. Progress/answers on issues raised at the LAG:
• Badger situation being investigated by Councillor Toni Coombs; Action TC
• Flooding problems on main road near junction with Potterne Park: work done, very successful;
• Possibility of a traffic island to be installed @ Brock Way, near the Police Station, planned for 2010/11;
• Incomplete block of flats in Crane Drive: being purchased by another developer;
• Site of empty land between The Hub and the Police Station: various developments mentioned, revised planning appeal, site visit by Planning Inspector from Bristol expected this week. Cllr Flower to advise later. Action - Cllr Flower
• Ebblake Estate problems with fly tipping through fencing: has been pursued by Councillor Spencer Flower. Problem being handled by County Council officers.
b. Morrisons site: press release due this week.
c. Spar: no firm information known.
d. Development of Fayrewood site: no news.
e. Grass cutting in Ringwood Road: now on contractor’s schedule.
f. The Hub: Cllr Spencer Flower advised that trading conditions are now improving.
g. Town Plan: stall at Farmer’s Market in November, good response, went well; planning going ahead for the web-site and for a questionnaire for a public launch in April.

4. Verwood Local Action Group - the way ahead in 2010 and beyond:
a. Simon Woodcock, Community Development Manager, EDDC, manages the Community Development Team @ EDDC, Furzehill;
b. Simon gave the background to how the LAG was established - Community Partnership came together with a number of partners to ‘improve the quality of life’ for local communities;
c. Review undertaken during 2009. The focus will be on where we can make a difference.
d. The Vision for 2010 onwards:
• The Community Partnership will be supporting three theme groups directly - housing, traffic & transport & the environment;
• Co-ordinating group - Community Panel to find out what groups are doing and bring them together to identify shared issues;
• Sustainable Communities Act 2008: enables local communities to challenge processes;
• Supporting Town and Parish Plans;
• Effect will be to introduce some standard practices and operating framework so as to enable the local community to take control of its own affairs;
• W.e.f. 1 April, ability for the Verwood LAG to do things for themselves, rather than rely on EDDC staff. Some financial support for running the group, e.g. possibly avoid Minutes and Agendas, but more Action Plans. Funding: could be held by EDDC, as an interim arrangement. Option: could pay for someone to produce notes.
• Questions: do we still want to - meet @ the Hub? get rid of Agenda & Minutes; (hire of room could be paid for 2010 in advance).
e. Discussions about the need to do mail outs via e-mail, where possible;
f. Agreed: to be discussed in more detail at next meeting, in February 2009.
g. Bill Davies, Verwood and District Chamber of Trade, commented on the usefulness of the LAG as a channel of communication between the community and the Town Council and EDDC, a place for dialogue between the various parties to get answers. A key component of success is the ongoing attendance of the Councillors from the Town, District and County Councils;.
h. Cllr Toni Coombs raised the point that, at present, there is no formal link with Town Council. It was agreed that Cllr Coombs suggest to VTC for one person to be appointed as the communication link with the LAG and attend the LAG meetings.
i. It was agreed that with the Agenda for the next meeting, Ron Tomlin and Simon Woodcock would suggest questions for consideration at the next meeting, including inviting VTC to work with us.

5. Dates of 2010 meetings and suggestions for Agenda items to be advised to Ron a.s.a.p.

6. Next Meetings: 8th February, 12 April @ The Hub.

The meeting closed at 8.20 pm and was followed by seasonal refreshments.