December newsletter

Opportunistic Theft

Be vigilant - a number of opportunistic thefts have been reported locally from unlocked cars parked on drives and garages. And if you see somebody behaving suspiciously – walking along trying the door handles on parked cars for example – please call the police.

Royal Assent for the Localism Act

This potentially far reaching Act has come into force although most of its provisions come into effect in April 2012. We believe ourselves to be reasonably well placed to take advantage of its provisions – this Newsletter for example now goes to around 900 local homes.

You’ll find a complete summary of The Act on our website www.wcresidents.co.uk and then click on Localism Act in the left hand column. We are in touch with CBC about its provisions and anticipate meeting with them in the New Year to discuss ramifications, such as the powers granted to local communities to draw up their own Neighbourhood Plan and to veto excessive council tax rises. However, we are keen to work with them on any initiatives rather than fighting them.

In case you hadn’t realised it, this Act has done away with Home Information Packs. We’ll keep you in touch with further developments as the implications become clearer.

The Missing Bus Shelter

Isn’t missing anymore, we’re pleased to say! A new one has been erected on Fairmile Road. We’re going to ask CBC why it was necessary for us to get involved rather than a replacement appearing as a normal course of events.

The Mayor’s Petition

Councillor Sue Spittle has launched a petition to draw the attention of Dorset CC to the state of some local roads. As an example she has chosen Marlow Drive because it is a bus route, runs quite steeply downhill and is used by a great many residents when they visit the shops and The Hall on the Hill. If you want to sign her petition you’ll find it in Londis in Marlow Drive.

St Catherine’s Hill Management Plan

We have passed the third draft as suitable for submission to CBC Councillors in January and then out to public consultation in February. A process that started back in 2004 with our raising that large petition against the mass felling and symbolically marking the trees is finally coming to an end.

Season’s Greetings

We hope you all enjoy having the opportunity to watch Zulu yet again whilst eating your mince pies. Best wishes for Christmas and The New Year and if it snows don’t forget we have CBC’s legal advice on whether or not you should clear snow from your drive – find it at www.wcresidents.co.uk