Boscombe Area Forum 8th October 2007
1. Apologies : Secretary Ben Prescott, Beverly and Tony Ruth , Head Teacher, Kings Park Primary, Tanya Bunting.
2. a) minutes from the last meeting. The last minutes did not include Gary Sherbourne’s question to Cllr Wakefield about the business plan for Shelley Manor. Gary had asked if Cllr Wakefield had received £3000 of SRB (Single Regeneration Budget) funding for the business plan and why was the business plan still unavailable to the public.
Grant Read wished to know about the delay on the surf reef and who would pay for the sand that has been washed away that was to be used for the surf reef. Later in the meeting a letter was read from Roger Brown, Head of Leisure Services. A ‘Fisherman’s Licence’ has been granted from DEFRA and should be received by the end of October. The complete project including the surf reef, piazza and pier will be complete by July 2008.
An amendment to the minutes: ‘A local business man felt that Bournemouth Council didn’t understand business.’ The businessman wished to state that there is lack of support for shops in Boscombe, signage is a problem and the Boscombe job Centre shouldn’t have been shut down.
2.b) actions. There is a Cabinet meeting on 10th October, 10.30am at the Town Hall where a decision will be made on the BCCA – Bournemouth Centre for Community Arts. Steve Humprey will be attending and will feed back. Many people felt that the consultation period had come too late and was not long enough.
There was some concern that the kiosks in the precinct did not contain all the information that was supposed to be included. Dawn Bevan said there is still lots of info to be added. Rob Adams from Neighbourhood Management is leading the project and can be contacted on 458941.
There was some discussion about the amount of rubbish in Boscombe caused by lack of bin storage space. There was also talk about trying to influence planning decisions so that bin storage space was always in plans. Action: Letter from the forum to the planning department to always make sure adequate bin space was including in planning applications. It was suggested to invite Larry Austin from Street Services to the next meeting.
3. Transition towns. Susan Chapman gave a talk about climate change and carbon emissions. There are many ideas to ‘skill up for power down’. Simple ideas like planting seeds, using cars less can all help the environment and lead to a more sustainable future. There are ‘green’ projects currently happening in Boscombe, such as ‘Planting 500 fruit trees’ and an organic food co-op. Perhaps groups should get together. It was also mentioned that the area forum should set time aside to talk about green issues and how Boscombe can make a difference.
There was mention that Bournemouth Borough Council refused to give Dorset Reclaim a grant to recycle oil. Action: Councillors to investigate and report back.
5. Constitution. The forum took a vote on adopting the constitution. It was passed with 13 to 0 with 2 abstentions’.
6. Forum Committee
Andy Watkins explained that he would no longer be working in Boscombe so he would step down as Chair. Kathie Pearce won the secret ballot with 19 votes to Steve Humprey who had 4 votes.
Mike Bunney was elected as Treasurer.
Ben Prescott will remain Secretary.
The other committee members are: Gary Sherbourne, Peter Castle, Steve Humprey and Chris Green.
Thanks was given to Andy for his work for the forum and for his professional work he had done in Boscombe.
7. News, views and questions. A five year plan for Boscombe was mentioned. It was suggested to invite Debbie Clifton from the 2026 Partnership to talk to the group about different strategic plans for Boscombe. There are plans to develop Boscombe precinct. The 2026 Partnership conference will take place on 11th October, members of the forum are attending and will feedback.
It was mentioned that the showers have been turned off on the beach and ice cream van is closed. Action: Cllr Stanley Watts will look into these issues.
There will be two extra police officers in Boscombe who will be targeting drug dealers. Andy Watkins asked the forum for 3 priorities for the Boscombe Safer Neighbourhood Team to focus on. It was suggested discussion this at the next meeting.
Can you think of somewhere to plant a fruit tree in Boscombe? E-mail get-a-tree@500-fruit-trees.org.uk or phone 391228 for more information.
It was commented that Grosvenor Gardens looks much improved. Changes to signage omitted the ‘no sleeping or camping’ wording. Cllr Wakefiled assured that this would be added shortly.
Next meeting: Monday 12th November.
Venue: Selwyn Hall, St John’s, to be confirmed.