Surgery this morning

Getting soaked just walking from my car the hundred metres or so to the delightful St Johns 

, I was more than pleased to see the coffee pot simmering and a couple of shortbread biscuits all prepared for my arrival. I have to say it cheered me up after a troubled nights sleep listening to the force nine winds howling across the marsh. The inclement weather did not deter residents bringing some issues for us to help with and problems ranged from the trees in Druitt Gardens ( very complimentary about the new layout) to problems with bonfires from construction sites and abuse of the disabled blue badge scheme which we will have to report to County. One resident left us with the problem of clearing waste from her minagery of pets. Cllr Davis will deal with that one! What I enjoy about our surgery is that we never know what problems are going to be presented to us and it is really interesting resolving the issues, when we can. This monthly meeting with our residents enables us to listen to a whole range of problems but equally important seeing how they appreciate this great constituency and understand the financial difficulties facing this Borough Council, oh yes and for the support they give us. A good morning apart from this tedious weather.

SAMRA meeting last night

An interesting meeting at the Stanpit Village Hall last night with a presentation from POP about their latest initiatives for getting widows and widowers more social contact, very interesting. For my part I was called to explain the approach CBC would take should an appeal to the Beagle application come forward and to explain why the site is not suitable for housing. One particular resident was very concerned that the application had been refused against considerable support from the ward, Councillor Davis explained the ward Councillors position and I was asked why as Leader I could not have intervened in view of the quasi judicial nature of the planning process. I had earlier attended the Chamber of Commerce get together at the Kings Arms and had very interesting chat about where we should be going in respect of re-balance the pedestrian/traffic situation designed to improve the experience of our town centre to residents and visitors. So a long day but rewarding in that I was listening carefully to to some very interesting ideas. It is always encouraging when I meet people who adore Christchurch and have a positive view about making our Town Centre a better place.

St Johns tomorrow surgery.

Just a reminder that Cllr. Davis and I will be at St Johns tomorrow at 10am to meet residents. There is quite a lot going on in the patch not the least of which is to do with flooding in the ward. There are also some housing applications requiring attention also dare I .say that parking issues will feature  but let's wait and see. Good to see old friends and talk bout how we can make Christchurch a better place to live visit and work. Keep dry and safe over the weekend!

Great news

I have been really worried about the fate of our local Kingfishers due to this dreadful spell of weather forcing the water tables high up river and estuary banks creating real problems for this beautiful species. Early this morning I was delighted to see a male and female hunting along the Bank so my worst fears have not been realised. A great start to the day!

Local issues

In January our planning team have protected trees in Druitt Gardens,dealt with complex planning issues which included complex issues about the economic effect of increased footfall and the most extraordinary developer battle. Yet I bet CBC will still get stick from a small number of highly vocal objectors. 

Local issues

I attended the planning meeting last night and listened to some of the debate. The final result was quite clear so that's what democracy is all about. Not much more for me to say about the subject apart from recording again what a tough task Councillors have who sit in judgement on the planning committee. I found the atmosphere intimidating and I was just an observer! Onwards and upwards!!

We are in the budget period

The economic problems at a national level have cascaded down to Local Government to a frightening extent. The expectation of sustainable regional grants coming from central government has been shattered as they battle with the national deficit. Over 50% cuts in the money needed by Councils to maintain front line services has made the process of budgeting a nightmare. Thankfully by prudent accounting and cost cutting we at CBC are still well above water with our decision to partner in areas such as waste and revenues and benefits paying dividends. Also our partnership with East Dorset has delivered savings beyond expectation but looking ahead and making a balanced budget and linking it to a medium term financial strategy is becoming more and more of a problem especially as we expect more financial cuts to come. We are determined to maintain front line services within our responsibility and to do so will continue to leave no stone unturned which could lead to cost cutting and revenue increase. This process absorbs massive resources from officers and key members alike so expect some midnight oil to be burned over the next month or so. Meanwhile our corporate objectives stand as decided in 2011 and as a council we are delivering in all the key areas namely housing,economy,environment,community and council performance. As a result we are looking forward to 2014 being a growing year for Christchurch showing that we live in a great community and an area that is a good place to invest.