Monday morning

Olympics over, sunshine gone replaced by the liquid variety, and back to Council work after very pleasant break. I was only called in twice over the fortnight I took as leave so I can't complain too much. Regrettably I missed the skate park festival postponed from earlier in the year but I understand it was a brilliant day enjoyed by many. Thrills and spills were the order of the day and I am told some very exciting and even breath taking stunts entertained the crowds of mainly youngsters. Good work CBC. I did get the opportunity to meet with County Council highways officers last week and bang the drum again about the changes needed in our High Street and Fountain round-a-bout to improve the Christchurch experience. I managed to get over my point that we should be taking an holistic view of Christchurch's traffic problems rather than the salami slicing approach we have taken in the past. Clearly an investment has to be made to improve traffic flow and make the town centre a better experience for pedestrians. We are undoubtedly improving foot fall as witnessed by the crowds of people at the various events over the last six months, what has to follow is a innovative scheme for the High Street. Maybe this could be a spin off from whatever happens at the Bargates Magistrates site. Meanwhile I did think that at last County understood what I was talking about and I shall be briefing County Councillors so that they can follow this matter up.