Present:
Jim Fiander Chair
Ann Abernethie, Vice Chair
Catherine Boulton Secretary
Ron Tomlin EDDC

Apologies: PC Andy Robertson, Cllr Spencer Flower, Cllr Toni Coombs

Minutes Action
1.0 Introduction and Welcome
Jim Fiander, Chair opened the meeting and welcomed everyone.

2.0
2.1 Minutes of Last Meetings: –

The minutes of the last 2 meetings 9 November and 14 December 2009 were approved.

3.0
3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6
3.7
3.8 Matters Arising:-

9 November 2009:
3/5.3 - Bus Stop at Blackmoor disappearing into overgrown hedges. Reported that not dealt with yet, but due to British Gas works some hedges have been cut back.

3/5.4++ Fire site – Ebblake Ind. Est. issue of dumping dangerous items still not resolved with more added and worse conditions. It has now been fenced (thanks to Cllr Spencer Flower) but there is a gap with easy access for children and young people. More has been dumped in the brook, an SSI area. Repeated calls have been made, but ‘it’s everyone else’s problem’. Andrew Norris, Forestry Commission has responsibility for paths and brooks, is aware of the problem and concerned, but no action arising.

3/5.4++ Bridleway issues at Potterne - new signage agreed – Nov/Dec, but not yet installed.

5.4 Badgers, Spring Close/Manor Lane, backing onto Springfield Road/Gardens/ The Copse. This continues to be work in progress with a meeting scheduled with DCC later in the week. (NB Bill Green is responsible for Capital Projects and not a Badger expert.)

14 December 2009:
3b Morrison’s site – Bill Davies reported that there was no news; negotiations are on-going between Morrisons and EDDC.

3c Spar – now open and being managed by David Smith (of Three Legged Cross Spar).

3d Fayrewood site – Planning application approved for convenience store and flats. Recently in paper, planning application for deliveries Sun 9-4pm. Cllr Lucy Clarke explained that VTC turned this down, but was approved by EDDC.
4h – Link between LAG and VTC. Having been raised requires the LAG to write to VTC and invite a representative to the meetings. Lucy Clarke offered to draft letter, Jim to sign.

LC/JF
4.0
4.1



4.2 Progress and Update Reports

No further updates due to absence of representatives from the Police and Fire Service. PC Andy Robertson had sent a letter apologising for his absence at a number of recent meetings due to work commitments, annual leave and illness. He reaffirmed his commitment to the group and is looking to continue to support the LAG through its transition. The LAG wished Andy well and looks forward to receiving his report at the next meeting.

Town Plan – Nicole Thompson
Working Groups being set up around 8 themes, volunteers being recruited. Responsible for compiling questions for survey to be conducted in the summer with residents from Verwood and Three Legged Cross. Launch event/Community Fun Day at the Hub, Saturday 10 April, engage the community, raise awareness of the Town Plan’s and feedback. Bill Davies, VADCOT fully supports the TP, values a similar process undertaken in Wimborne through the Town Centre Action Plan. The Chamber of Trade supports the Town Plan and will attend the event.

5.0
5.1
5.2
5.3

Planning for the Future Operation of the LAG

Ron Tomlin explained that as a result of restructuring within the Community Partnership, he could no longer be involved in facilitating the meetings. Admin support has also been reduced at EDDC, and was responsible for distributing 200 mail shots on behalf of the group. The Verwood LAG is a successful group but is fundamentally a community group and needs greater independence. This is Ron’s last meeting, but he will continue to support the committee members and will identify relevant officers to attend where necessary. Of the list 70-80 are regular attendees. Ron has sent out the dates for the forthcoming year in January, with an explanatory letter. He has offered to provide the template for posters, host information on the website and has booked the Hub for the year. There is a budget of £500 to pay for adverts, room bookings and employ someone for the minute taking.

Following a lengthy and detailed discussion, Jim Fiander proposed a small working group to take things forward. This was supported. In addition to the committee, 3 other members volunteered to help. Catherine, Ann and Jim to arrange meeting.

Many members commented on the value of the LAG and wished to see it continue.







CB/AA/JF
6.0
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4

Open Forum

Pot Holes – reported by various members, met by different response. Include Ringwood Rd/Station Road; Berkley Cl; Virginia Rd, completed but Forestside not, nor Merryfield.

Overgrown shrubs – opposite 18-20 Dewlands Way, reported to VTC.

Painted lines on road – Jenner Rd – disappeared.

Fayrewood development - ? stage of planning/development. Although has planning permission, land still for sale.

7.0
7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4 AOB

Ann Abernethie updated on the Memorial Hall. Work has started on the porch and is due to be completed 10 March.

Request for the Hub Manager to be invited to a future LAG meeting. Lucy Clarke to invite.

The Paralympic cyclist, Darren Kenny has received limited recognition for his achievements in Verwood (though has elsewhere ie through Bournemouth University – honorary doctorate). There is a proposal being presented to DCC that a road in Verwood is named after him, Darren Kenny Way, by Key Industries, Ebblake, close to where Darren lives. This was strongly supported by the members.

Bill Davies proposed a vote of thanks for everyone who’d given support to the LAG over the years.

8.0
8.1

Date of Next Meetings

Next meetings Mondays @ 7pm at the Verwood Hub:-
12 April, 14 June, 13 September, 8 November,
13 December.