Last nights Leader announcements at full Council

In September this Council hosted a Renewable Energy Conference and Market Place in the Council chambers. About 70 delegates attended for a very interesting presentation which has culminated in a report circulated to members, Officers, attendees, Members of Parliament and other interested parties. In essence the report highlights the fact that alternatives to the extensive wind farm projected to blight our coastline do exist and are available. Of special interest is the Geothermal Energy potential as Wessex has an ideal geo-structure to support the production of adequate energy for the future. For members interest a copy of the Geothermal Energy Potential report will be available in the member’s room. Significant is the early support from MP’s Richard Drax and Chris Chope to the CBC initiative. Another example of Christchurch punching above its weight.! Can I remind members of the Remembrance Sunday services starting at Purewell Cross at 9.30 on the eleventh day of the eleventh month? Full attendance on this poignant morning is humbly requested. October has seen the long awaited DWP roll out. With such a massive undertaking it is inevitable that some teething problems occur. I would again complement our two Councillors Cllr Derham-Wilks and Phipps for their diligent attention in assisting officers in resolving local issues. Their attention to detail throughout the whole process has been exemplary. Early indication is that Christchurch recycle rates have soared into the 70% zone far higher than targeted. Members will be kept informed as we monitor the process further. This Council will be responding to the Office of Fair Trading in respect of the merger of Poole and Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals and paying close attention to the proposal with the clear objective of ensuring the Christchurch residents get the health service they deserve. We see as important that the name change which excludes Christchurch does not portent reduction in service from our own Christchurch Hospital or indicates a change in the hospital managements stated mission of continuing the facility in Christchurch. I am sure that members are aware of recent press coverage in the past few days about ash dieback disease. The disease is caused by a fungus that affects certain species of ash trees. This includes our native ash, which is the third most common broadleaved species in the UK. Symptoms of the disease include leaf loss, crown die back and possible death of infected trees. To allay members’ fears our officers are aware and alert to the danger and our portfolio holder for the Environment is working closely with them. Finally members will be interested to know that in the interest of good partnership East Dorset District Council will be changing their committee paperwork systems to fall in line with the way we do it in Christchurch, they recognise that our system leads to better debate at full council and committee meetings.