Here I go again!

Such a busy week on Council business, meetings through the day and an important meeting last night about Purewell Conservation area and Stanpit Marsh among other equally pressing issues. Purewell as a conservation area doesn't seem to fit but when you walk it from end to end, as I did yesterday, there are some really interesting buildings and features which should clearly be preserved.Although I am struggling to understand quite why the old Catholic Church is listed, whilst it is a classic example of late nineteenth century ecclesiastical architecture, the fabric is slowly collapsing and I think it might be time to de-list. That however is a subject for resident consultation. Quite where the money comes from to maintain the fabric of the building I am not sure but it looks to me as if it needs loads of dosh to keep it going.The Wesleyan Chapel is a stunning building which has also lost its way but definitely worth preserving. The small villas really impress me and it is a great shame that occupants have let their gardens deteriorate due to car parking requirements.I have insisted that the projected crossing at Purewell gets a mention and delighted to see that St Johns Church is specifically highlighted.The document is now out for consultation so please get a copy from CBC or the library and make a contribution.
Stanpit Marsh was another matter where a plan hits the streets for our comments. Now this is where I do get on my high horse. This site is a SSSI, one of the most important marshland nature conservation sites in the country. The plan sets out to meet statutory duties of CBC to sustain the area as a sanctuary for wildlife and a facility for recreation. It doesn't take a genius to work out that the winner in that combination will always be the walker, the canoeists etc. at the expense of the over 300 bird species that live or visit the marsh annually. So we have to take measures that satisfy both requirements. To me the big problem is that we have an attitude to this area which is entirely misconceived. Take for example the entrance to Stanpit at the car park, there is more information there about how to dump our rubbish than directs us to our responsibilities as guardians of this natural treasure and the wild life and eco structure it supports. This has to change.