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Planners say yes to Waitrose

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Despite a 156 page report recommending refusal of the planning application for a proposed Waitrose Food Store on the cricket ground in Wimborne, planners have voted in favour of it.

The special meeting to determine the application was held on 29 September at the Allendale Centre. The venue was full to capacity (300) well before the start of the meeting and those who couldn’t get into the hall listened to the proceedings on loudspeakers.

After a lengthy introduction by Mike Hirsh, East Dorset District Council’s Head of Planning & Building Control, fourteen speakers were given five minutes each to put their case. Seven against and seven for; including Waitrose MD, Mark Price.

Philip Atlay, Chairmain of Keep Wimborne Town Green made a plea for refusal saying that the cricket ground contributes to the ambience of the town. He also suggested that the proposed supermarket would cause a flooding issue.

Wimborne Minster & District Chamber of Trade Chairman, Malcolm Angel and Gary Holman from Holmans split their five minutes to put a case for the development. Gary Holman said, “Wimborne is dying on its feet. I implore the planners to pass this proposal.”

When everyone had spoken, a short recess was called before the planning committee reached their decision. Eight councillors voted to grant permission in principal, four voted against, there was one abstention and two councillors were not permitted to vote.

Cllr Pat Hymers and Cllr Don Wallace, had declared an interest and though they were allowed to speak, the rules prevented them from voting and they had to leave the building. Cllr Pat Hymers put forward a case for Waitrose, whereas Cllr Don Wallace spoke on behalf of 60% his Colehill electorate against the decision.

The resolution passed by the planning committee reads:

The committee resolve to grant permission in principle subject to a Sect 106 Agreement and planning conditions in general accordance with the points raised in the planning committee representations to be reported in detail to a future meeting of the town planning committee and in addition further points to be considered:

Design of the elevation and roads - Rowlands Hill
Landscaping detail
Noise
Also subject to the Secretary of State not calling in the application for determination by the government.

The application will, however, have to be submitted to the Secretary of State because the proposed development does not form part of the local plan.

Thoughtless Vandalism

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Long John’s Fish and Chip Shop in Wimborne has been broken into for the second time in three months - resulting in over £1000 worth of damage.

In the evening of 25 September, thieves smashed the front door window, with the intention to steal charitable funds collected within the shop. They also attempted to break into the safe, but did not succeed.

Luckily, the charity pot had been emptied earlier this week, resulting in the thieves only getting away with around 20p.

Police investigations are currently under way with finger and footprints discovered on the damaged property.

Around three months ago, the same incident happened with approximately £150 being stolen. Police later recovered the stolen pot hidden in Leigh Park.

This is thought to be the actions of local people, and quite possibly the same offenders. If anyone has any information regarding this break-in, please phone 01202 222222.

Beach Clean at Friars Cliff

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Sixty-seven volunteers collected 5,283 items of litter when they recently took part in the beach clean at Friars Cliff Beach in Christchurch.

Thirty-two bin bags full of rubbish were collected from the beach. Topping the litter list at 667 items were crisp, sweet and lollipop wrappers closely followed by larger pieces of plastic at 561 items.

Abi Meharg, Beaches and Open Spaces Assistant at Christchurch Council, who organised the Friars Cliff clean, said: “I would like to thank everyone who took part in the beach clean. Although the beach didn’t look particularly dirty, it’s amazing how much was collected - about 2,000 more items than our last beach clean in April.”

The next beach clean at Friars Cliff will take place on Sunday 11 January. Anyone wishing further information can email beachesandharbour@christchurch.gov.uk.

Bag it - bin it campaign

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A six-week campaign encouraging more dog owners in Ferndown to bag and bin dog poo has been launched in the town. A team of volunteers led by Cllr Jason Lawford distributed leaflets to owners at favourite dog walking locations to encourage responsible dog ownership.

Pet store group PamPurredPets has sponsored the campaign by offering free samples of biodegradable poo bags to dog owners who return the questionnaire to their Ferndown store.

Councillor Lawford says, “The idea of the campaign is to initially encourage dog owners to be more responsible, to seek feedback from residents about problem areas, and receive suggestions for new dog bin locations. We will then use this feedback following the campaign, to work with East Dorset District Council to find ways to provide new dog bins, and to direct the dog warden to problem areas.”

Anyone wishing to support and help the Dog Poop Bag It – Bin It Campaign contact Jason Lawford on 01202 892249. Full information is available on www.dogpoop.co.uk

Conservation Area versus Waitrose

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

September 29 is the decision day for the Waitrose Food Store planning application for a supermarket on the cricket ground in Wimborne. The meeting will be held in the Allendale Centre, Wimborne at 10.30am.

A high turnout is expected.

East Dorset District Council's planners have been recommended not to support the proposals. Head of Planning at East Dorset District Council, Mike Hirsh, said: “There is merit in principle in a new food store in Wimborne. However, the importance of the quality of the cricket pitch to the local distinctiveness of the Town and its Conservation Area will be unacceptably damaged by the proposal.”

Philip Atlay, Chairman of Keep Wimborne Town Green responded by saying, “We are clearly, delighted that the EDDC Planning Department, having studied all aspects of the Waitrose Application, has concluded that the benefits of a supermarket on the cricket ground site do not justify the very significant damage to the town's Conservation Area that would result. And we hope that this emphasis on the importance of the Conservation Area will finally silence those who have constantly asserted that if a supermarket is not built then houses will be built or that the site will become a rubbish tip.”

Wimborne is split in two over the application. Over nine hundred letters have been received by East Dorset District Council and there is a fairly even divide for and against the proposals.

New Info Centre at Stanpit Marsh

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

With its wind and solar power, a filtered water supply from rainwater and a compost loo, the building is environmentally friendly and will provide information and displays about the wildlife on the marsh.

The timber-framed building was opened by the Mayor of Christchurch, Cllr David Flagg with chairman of the Friends of Stanpit Marsh, Avril Le Breche.

Celebrating their 25th anniversary, the Friends have raised £20,000 towards the cost of the new centre, with the borough council making up the rest. Avril handed the mayor the final cheque for £12,000.

She said: “Over the twenty-five years, one of the objectives of the Friends was to have an information centre worthy of this majestic marsh. We are very pleased with what we see here today.” She also paid tribute to one of the founders of the Friends, Pat Woodward, who had sadly passed away in the week prior to official opening

WAITROSE WIMBORNE!

Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

East Dorset District Council's Planning Committee is being recommended not to support the proposed Waitrose Food Store in Wimborne.

The recommendation, from the Council's Planning Department, relates to a new retail store, car park, access and associated works with a new riverside park on the existing Cricket Ground at Rowlands Hill in Wimborne.

The plans are for a food store of 1,834 sqm and a warehouse with an area of 595sqm,with offices and staff restaurant at first floor level. Car parking would be on two levels and provide 215 spaces in total. The remaining part of the site (40%) would form a new public open space.

There are five reasons for refusal in the recommendation, however, the report by the Head of Planning and Building Control makes it clear the main reason is that the planning authority has a duty to have regard to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of a conservation area and that this harm is not outweighed by the benefits associated with the Waitrose proposal.

The development of a supermarket and car park on a substantial part of this site would conflict with this objective due to the proposed building’s size and design, and the appearance of the car park together with its associated access arrangements. It would have a negative impact on its surroundings and cause harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area.

Currently, the site's existence makes an important and positive contribution to the local distinctiveness and special character of the Wimborne Minster Conservation Area in which it is situated. The site is one of the few remaining open spaces of any scale or note within the town centre.

Head of Planning at East Dorset District Council, Mike Hirsh, says: “There is merit in principle in a new food store in Wimborne. However, the importance of the quality of the cricket pitch to the local distinctiveness of the Town and its Conservation Area will be unacceptably damaged by the proposal.

"The merits of the package of proposals, including the new cricket pitch on the Leaze, make the decision a difficult one. The difficulty for the Committee is highlighted by the individual letters received from the public, which tend to show opinion is evenly split. At the time of going to print, there are 450 individual letters in support and 453 against. Hopefully, the report explains the range of issues clearly enough to help the Committee in their debate.

"However, under these circumstances I can readily understand if the Committee puts a different balance on some of the key issues and comes to a different conclusion.”

The Council’s Planning Committee meets at a special meeting on29 September at 10.30am at the Allendale Centre in Wimborne to decide on the plans.

Celebrity welcome for Darren Kenny

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

In anticipation of the elite paralympic cyclist’s arrival from Beijing, a banner will be placed on Ringwood Road to greet him.

The banner, organised by Verwood Town Council and Designer Sign Company, sums up the pride of the town for the local man who achieved so much at the Paralympic Games.

Verwood Mayor, Cllr Mrs Lucy Clark said, “Verwood Town Council and the residents of Verwood and Three Legged Cross are thrilled to congratulate Darren Kenny on his success at the Beijing Paralympics 2008.

Not only did he achieve four gold medals and one silver, he also beat two of his own world records, what a wonderful achievement and how proud we all are of him. He is an inspiration to us all, young and old.”

Darren will also be invited to attend the mayor’s civic reception in November, where a presentation from the town will be made.

Attention all writers!

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Writers’ Study is delighted to announce that they are holding a Writing Workshop at West Moors Memorial Hall on 4th October with Tim Bowler, winner of the Carnegie Medal and bestselling writer of novels for young adults. As well as a workshop on giving your manuscript that final, all important, edit prior to submission, there is also the chance to have the opening lines of your novel/short story critiqued by Tim. For further details contact Judie Jones 01202 861770 or email: lanternj@talktalk.net

Book launch to celebrate The Solent

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

To celebrate the publication of ‘The Solent: A photographic portrait’by Terry Heathcote and Fred Barter, Waterstone’s Lymington will be holding a launch party, in memory of the photographer, Terry Heathcote, on Saturday, 20 September from 11am–1pm.

‘The Solent: A photographic portrait ‘ by Terry Heathcote and Fred Barter, is a stunning collection of Terry Heathcote’s photographs that celebrate the Solent in all its glory and variety, offering a unique insight into its changing landscapes and revealing just why the area has always attracted so many different people.

Divided into five sections covering, the New Forest Coast, Southampton Water, Portsmouth Harbour, Chichester Harbour and Isle of Wight, the book takes the reader on a photographic voyage through the Solent to reveal past and present side by side from Roman palaces to Second World War defences, whilst uncovering the secrets of its rich natural habitats.

The late Terry Heathcote lived in, and photographed around the area of the Solent for 25 years. His knowledge of the area was immense and this, combined with his remarkable skill with a camera, has resulted in a stunning and unique photographic collection. Sadly Terry died before the book was finished, but with the help of journalist and Solent aficionado Fred Barter, who completed the research and commentary to accompany the photographs, and Gordon Young who brought the book to Adlard Coles Nautical, The Solent: A photographic portrait was finally published at the end of August 2008.

The Solent: A photographic portrait is published by Adlard Coles Nautical, price £19.99.

A Royal visit

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The Duke of Gloucester will be visiting Highcliffe Castle on 17 September between 2.15 and 3.15pm to see the recent developments there.

The Duke last visited the castle in September 2001 and now wants to see how the project plans have come to fruition.

He will be shown the refurbished dining room and will be able, for the first time, to see the upper levels of the castle.

Sex and relationship education grants for young people

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Sexual health and HIV charity, Terrence Higgins Trust (THT), is inviting groups of young people aged 13-19 in the mags4dorset area to come up with innovative and creative ideas on how to educate their friends about relationships and sex. Grants of up to £1000 are being offered as part of THT’s Young Leaders project – a peer led sex and relationship education project for young people across England. The deadline for applications is Monday, 27 October.

The project, which is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, asks young people to develop ideas to build up their own and other young people’s knowledge around issues like safer sex, relationships and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). By giving out grants for young people to create and deliver their own sex education project, THT aims to give young people the opportunity to make a positive impact in their community.

Louise Sweeney, Young Leader Participation Officer, at THT in the South West said: “If we like your idea THT will give you the money to make it happen. All you need to do is get together with your youth club, school or other organisation to develop your idea and make an application to your local Young Leaders Regional Board.”

THT is holding a workshop in September so professionals working with young people can come along to find out about Young Leaders. Teachers, youth workers and other professionals can get advice on how the young people they work with can apply for funding. For inspiration there will also be information available about the projects THT has already funded.

The workshop will be held on Thursday 25th September, 1030 – 1600 at YHA Bristol, 14 Narrow Quay, Bristol, BS1 4QA.

Anyone interested in attending a workshop should contact: louise.sweeney@tht.org.uk or for more information about Young Leaders Grants visit www.tht.org.uk/youknowyou.

First lesson FREE with Puddle Ducks baby and toddler swimming*

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Baby and toddler swimming has become a first choice activity for many new mums and dads so it is great news that instructor Jane Bozic has started a brand new swim school in the local area. To celebrate the launch of Puddle Ducks classes, they are offering Viewpoint and mags4dorset readers the first lesson free when you book a term*.

To find out more about this offer and Puddle Ducks go to our Viewpoint Editorial Features section.

SHORT STORY COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

The winners of our Short Story Competition are:

1st prize: winning publication in Town and Village (planned for January 2009), £75 cash and a copy of Della Galton’s book on ‘How to write and sell short stories’ was Veronica Bright from Cornwall with ‘African Sanctus.’.

Veronica (pictured) has lived in Cornwall with her husband Roy since 1988, and they have three grown up children and three grandchildren. She retired early when numbers dropped at school. Five years on, she is enjoying the freedom and opportunity to try all sorts of activities there was no time for when teaching. She loves walking the moors and the coast paths with Roy, gardening, and spending time with family. She has a passion for digital photography and writing. Veronica won the Woman and Home annual short story competition in 2005, and is delighted to have won the Town & Village competition with her winter’s tale.

2nd prize: winning publication in Town & Village (planned for November 2008) and £25 cash was Simon Beasley from Wimborne with his story, ‘Old Tom.’

3rd prize: winning publication in Town & Village (planned for December 2008) and a £10 book token was R M Martin from Ferndown, with ‘Faith, Hope and Snow.’

The Dorset Highly Commended went to Mrs Vivian Gough with her story ‘’The Trapper Comes Home’’

A HUMPBACK WHALE ENTERTAINS PASSENGERS IN THE CHANNEL

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

On a return crossing from Biscay through the Channel yesterday, passengers and researchers were beside themselves with excitement when a Humpback Whale was spotted near the Channel Islands. Humpback Whales are amongst the most familiar to people and yet this sighting in such a busy shipping area is unprecedented, considering how rarely they are observed in the eastern Atlantic.

Humpback Whales are known to be highly migratory, travelling between breeding and feeding grounds annually. They are found throughout the world’s oceans, but numbers were decimated by whaling. Whilst the whales seem to be making a recovery in certain areas, sightings remain few and far between around the UK and mainland Europe. Sporadic sightings are reported annually in the Irish Sea, the North Sea and the waters off western Scotland, but there has not been a report of a Humpback Whale in the Channel in recent history.

The whale was initially detected as it created splashes on the surface by members of the Spanish research organisation AMBAR. This species is known to be quite acrobatic often engaging in breaching – where the animal leaps clear of the water or crashing its massive tail and large pectoral fins on the waters surface. This particular whale was engaging in such behaviour and was photographed. Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP) on board Wildlife Officer John Arnott, was able to confirm the sighting as a Humpback Whale.

John Arnott commented: “The photographs clearly showed the distinctive dorsal hump characteristic of this species. Many passengers were delighted, having witnessed the blows and splashes from their vantage point on deck 11 of the ship.”

BDRP Chairman Clive Martin said: “Our first thought was for the whale’s safety and we have alerted the coastguard to its presence and exact location. Being such a busy shipping area, the whale is at risk of ship strike and it is important that vessels are aware and therefore able to take extra care in this area”.

It is likely that the whale is undertaking its annual migration from Northerly feeding grounds to warmer equatorial waters and has entered the Channel en-route. It may have been following its fish prey or could have become confused and entered the Channel through the Western Approaches by accident.

BDRP will continue to monitor the Channel for further sightings of the whale, keeping the coast guard informed of its movements

Christchurch not to take part in “ill-thought-out” free swimming scheme

Thu, 11 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Following a unanimous decision by members of all parties at its Community Services Committee, Christchurch Council will take the same step as neighbouring authorities, Bournemouth and Poole, and not take part in the government’s ill-thought-out ‘free swimming for over-60s’ scheme.

Despite being offered a government grant to run the scheme, Christchurch Council anticipates a shortfall of more than £14,000 in the first year, rising to more than £37,000 in the third year when government funding would end.

Although Dorset County Council and Dorset Primary Care Trust have offered to fund losses made by Dorset district and borough authorities up to a total of £100,000, there are other factors which the Council took into consideration when reaching its decision.

Cllr Sally Derham Wilkes, chairman of the Community Services Committee, said: “This scheme has been very badly thought out by the government. They decided not to restrict the scheme to council boundaries which means that, now Bournemouth and Poole have decided not to take part, all over-60s from those boroughs could come to Christchurch for free swims if we went ahead.

“That would mean Two Riversmeet Leisure Centre having to cope with a potentially huge influx of non-paying customers to the detriment of people who pay. This might feasibly force paying customers to go elsewhere, so adding to our losses.

“The government’s method of calculating the grant is also flawed as they have simply divided their total pot of money by the number of over-60s in each borough or district, without taking into account revenue or indeed opening hours of swimming facilities.

“We already offer special rates to pensioners who use Two Riversmeet and we are not in a position to make any more losses from a scheme which is inadequately funded by central government, as we have already done with the concessionary fares scheme.

“The government may think it’s a good idea to come up with vote-winning schemes such as this, but they won’t win votes from the Council Tax payers who end up having to pay for them.”

CONCERN FOR MISSING WEYMOUTH SCHOOLGIRL

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Natalie Howes was last seen at her home In Ryland’s Lane at 5.15pm on Monday 8 September 2008, and her mother expected her to return home by 8pm – at 11.45pm Natalie had still not returned home and the local police were contacted.

Inspector Shawn Whitley of Dorset Police’s County Division, said: “Natalie previously went missing last Friday 5 September 2008 and she was traced at the address of a friend on Portland on Saturday 6 September 2008.

“It’s because of her age that she is classed as a vulnerable missing person and it is vital that we find her so that we can be sure she’s safe and well and that she comes to no harm.

“I believe it to be quite likely that Natalie is staying with a friend somewhere in the Weymouth or Portland area – our enquiries at a number of addresses have failed to locate her and she didn’t attend school today.

“It is very important that Natalie – and anyone who knows where she is – makes contact with Dorset Police immediately. All calls will be treated in total confidence.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

DENYING CRIMINALS THE USE OF THE ROADS

Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Operation Utah took place on the A31 at Ashley Heath, near Ferndown, on Thursday 4 and Friday 5 September 2008.

The aim of the operation was to detect and disrupt travelling criminals using this main route and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology was used to monitor passing vehicles.

ANPR systems instantly check up to 3,000 vehicles an hour against various databases of intelligence. This includes information provided by police officers, Crimestoppers, the DVLA and other forces about vehicles used by disqualified drivers, people wanted on warrant and those who are suspected of committing crime.

During the operation, 136 vehicles were stopped with a total of 3 arrests made – including one arrest for possession of a false driving licence.

Over 300 pirate DVDs were seized from one vehicle, and the driver was arrested for trading standards and immigration issues.

In addition, 11 vehicles were seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act for having no insurance or licence and 25 fixed penalty notices were issued for offences including no tax or MOT.

More than 20 officers and staff from Dorset Police and Hampshire Constabulary took part in the operation. Representatives from the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) were also present to check vehicles for any defects – resulting in 19 vehicle prohibitions.

On Friday 5 September, the operation had to be brought to a close earlier than planned due to urgent operational requirements elsewhere in the county.

Sergeant Mark Williams, of the Dorset Police ANPR Unit, said: “Once again, this has been an excellent opportunity to work in collaboration with Hampshire to tackle criminality on the roads.

“Despite the early finish, due to operational commitments, Utah was another significant success. During the operation we worked with our partners to uncover serious offences of no insurance and no driving licence, took vehicles in a dangerous state of repair off the road and made three arrests.

“We remain committed to an even safer Dorset for all residents and visitors and will continue to work to deny criminals the use of the roads.”

For general enquiries or to report a non-urgent crime, call Dorset Police on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22. Only dial 999 if life is in danger or a crime is in progress.

UPDATE! Christchurch Splash Park

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Plans to build a children’s splash park at Christchurch Quay have suffered a temporary setback following the Big Lottery Fund’s decision to decline an application for a grant.

The bid was made by Christchurch Rowing Club with the support of the council, would have provided a grant to support funds already allocated for a new facility to replace the paddling pool which has been in use for many years.

Peter Staddon, Chairman of Christchurch Rowing Club, said, “We are naturally very disappointed with the outcome. A lot of time and effort was spent putting the bid together and we felt that we had a strong case for funding, but unfortunately this was not to be.”

However, partners in the project have not given up hope and are examining ways of finding alternative sources of grant aid. Cllr Alan Griffiths, Leader of Christchurch Borough Council, is sure that this is only a temporary setback and is still determined to find ways of making the splash park happen.

Representatives of Christchurch Rowing Club, the Council and Christchurch Community Partnership will meet shortly to discuss the next steps in bringing this innovative project to fruition.

PIZZA DELIVERY MAN ROBBED IN POOLE FLATS

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Just after 10.45pm on Wednesday 3 September 2008, a man was delivering a fast food order to a flat in Sterte Court, Sterte Road in Poole, when he was assaulted and robbed of money and the food by four men, all of them carrying wooden sticks.

Detective Sergeant Andrew Kennard, of Poole CID, said: “On his arrival the delivery man was unable to enter the flats because there was no answer on the intercom – but he was allowed in by a young man who happened to be leaving the building.

“The victim went up to the 9th floor and as he entered a corridor he was confronted by four men, two wearing ski masks. He was threatened and assaulted by one of the men and made to hand over the food and his money belt.

“The four robbers then made off down the stairs leaving their victim – a 23 year old man from Lincoln who was staying in Poole – suffering with a very painful back but fortunately no serious injury.

“It’s very important that I hear from anyone who witnessed this incident on the 9th floor of this block of flats – and it’s crucial that I speak with the man who let the delivery man through the electronic door as his evidence could be very important.”

This man is white and believed to be about 18 or 19 years old with short black or brown hair and wearing a white jumper.

The four men police are looking for are all white.

One man was wearing a black or blue ski mask with eyeholes and is more than five feet eight inches tall. He was wearing a track suit top and grey trouser.

A second man wearing a black ski mask with eyeholes is less than five feet eight inches tall and of chubby build. He was wearing a black jumper.

The other two men are both more than five feet eight inches tall.

Detective Sergeant Kennard continued: “This is an unusual offence and our enquiries suggest that the order was placed so as to carry out the robbery, so it’s very important that we find those responsible.

“Someone may have seen four men leaving the flats, possibly carrying pieces of wood, and I’d urge any witnesses and anyone else who knows the identity of the four men responsible, to contact the police urgently.”

BURGLARY AT CHRISTCHURCH RESTAURANT

Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Sometime between 2am and 5am on Thursday, 4 September 2008, burglars forced their way into McDonalds Restaurant in Somerford Road Christchurch and made off after stealing several thousands of pounds in cash from a safe.

Detective Constable Steve Pryce of Ferndown CID, said: “The three burglars – with faces covered – forced a rear door and then cut their way into the restaurant safe before removing several thousands of pounds.

“I suspect that the three burglars are all men and I know that they crossed Somerford Road at about 5am after leaving the restaurant and went through a gap in the fence opposite.

“I’m interested in the movements of a white Mercedes Sprinter van that may be connected with the burglary and I’d like to hear from anyone who saw such a van in or around that area either late on Wednesday evening or early Thursday morning.

“The van may have been parked up in an unusual place, or it may have been seen travelling along the roads in the vicinity of McDonalds.

“I’m also keen to hear from anyone who saw or heard any other suspicious activity in or around the restaurant, again either late on Wednesday or early Thursday morning.

“There may be someone somewhere, perhaps several people, who know or suspects that they know those responsible for this burglary and I would appeal to those people to please do the right thing and call the police.”

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Breeding success on Brownsea Island

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

It has been a good nesting season for terns on the Brownsea Island lagoon this summer, according to Dorset Wildlife Trust. 106 Sandwich terns fledged from 231 nesting pairs and 120 common terns fledged from 180 pairs. These graceful birds nest on artificial islands in the DWT managed lagoon on the National Trust owned island. They can still be seen feeding just off Poole’s beaches, diving spectacularly for fish, often right in close among the bathers, but they will be leaving for warmer climes this month, the Sandwich terns to southern Europe and Africa and the common terns to West and South Africa.

Back in February, as part of their six month adoption of the island’s nature reserve, staff from Barclays in Poole were working hard to repair the islands just in time for the terns’ arrival. The terns have certainly been happy with the improvements, providing wonderful displays for visitors over the summer, as they reared their chicks close to the lagoon’s hides.

Teams of Barclays staff have also been deserting their desks to help with clearing channels and removing debris in the reed beds. This will benefit water voles, which are present on Brownsea, as well as other wildlife, including dragonflies. They have been clearing invasive rhododendron and will shortly be cutting hay on the flower meadows. The adoption scheme, the first of its kind in Dorset, has been such a success that Barclays has renewed its commitment for another six months. They will be supporting the DWT team on the island both financially and with work parties for the rest of this year.

David Bond, community relations officer for Barclays, said: “We are pleased to be continuing our adoption of Brownsea Island. Our employees have thoroughly enjoyed the challenges set by DWT, not just because it took them out of the office for the day but because they knew they were making a real difference to a valuable nature reserve in Poole harbour. ”

Abigail Gibbs, DWT warden of the Brownsea Island nature reserve, said: “Having Barclays sponsor us this year is an amazing boost to the reserve. Barclays employees are always keen to help out on any task we set them and, as well as helping us to benefit wildlife, they invariably go home with a sense of achievement.”

Brownsea Island is open to the public until 2 November. For information on volunteering or adopting Dorset’s wildlife ring 01305 264620 or visit www.dorsetwildlife.co.uk

Verwood Rotary Handouts 2008

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

This year’s Rotary Rustic Fayre in Verwood was another resounding success and Rotary president Allan Wells says he was very pleased with the turnout. The weather was just right for this kind of event – warm and a little cloudy. He said – If it’s too hot and sunny people think of spending the day on the beach instead.

Money raised matched last years’ and the Rotary club are now inviting local clubs and good causes to apply for funding. Cheques will be handed out to successful applicants on October 28 at the Parish rooms, St Michaels Church, Verwood. The deadline for receiving application letters is September 30.

The address to write to is 38 Manor road, Verwood, BH31 6DZ.

A full report on the fayre will be in the next issue of Viewpoint Magazine.

Behind Bars

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

A 35 year old unemployed man from Dorchester has been sentenced to four years in prison on two counts of possession of drugs with intent to supply and assaulting a police officer.

On 20 February 2008, David Frederick Cant of Hardy Avenue was seen acting suspiciously by police officers who were on patrol in the Mill Street area of Dorchester.

Officers approached and detained Cant, in order to carry out a drug search. The defendant ran off and entered a flat at Edwards Court on Hardy Avenue.

Cant attempted to slam the door behind him but officers gained entry and a struggle ensued on the kitchen floor. Whilst officers were struggling with the defendant, they managed to recover 13.5g of heroin, believed to be worth £1500 and 1.31g of cocaine from Cant's possession.

Whilst in custody, Cant kicked an officer in the shin.

At a trial at Dorchester Crown Court in July, Cant was convicted on three counts - for possession of cocaine with intent to supply, possession of heroin with intent to supply and assaulting a police constable.

On 2 September, Cant was sentenced to four years on the first two counts and three months for the third count of assaulting a police officer. The jail term is to run concurrently.

Fundraising Fashion Show

Tue, 02 Sep 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Friends of Mitchell Road Surgery, Canford Heath, Poole and local domiciliary care charity Pramacare are teaming up to host a fun-packed fashion show at Mitchell Road Surgery on Friday 12th September at 7pm. All clothing and accessories will be supplied by Pramacare’s charity shops and will be available for sale at the event. The evening will also include complementary therapy displays and free refreshments. Tickets cost just £3 and are available in advance from Mitchell Road Surgery or Pramacare’s shop in Adastral Square, Canford Heath.

“The quality of the catwalk garments is excellent, from designer labels to high street brands, so there will be plenty of bargains for those attending,” says Maurene Wilson, Pramacare’s fundraising manager. “And we’ve got a great team of models taking part, including a doctor and patients from the surgery and Pramacare care attendants.”

Proceeds from the evening will go towards subsidising home care for local people and buying a new 24-hour ambulatory BP monitor and analyser for the surgery. It is also a significant venue for Pramacare as the charity’s first care co-ordination offices were above the surgery.

For more information call 01202 667088 or visit www.pramacare.co.uk