News and Changes
April 20, 2021
News:
Dorset Police are hoping that the formation of two Local Police Areas (LPAs)
will help improve their service to local communities.
Neighbourhood Alert page updated
The first "Art On The Quay" painting class takes place today,
and Rhiannon is pleased to announce that she is also starting indoor classes
(following all government guidance of course) at The Old School, 254 Lymington
Road, starting from Wednesday May 19. All the details and booking process
cn be found below.
https://www.fortheloveofartclasses.co.uk/
Changes:
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April 19, 2021
News:
Hopefully everyone has their power back on now after yesterday's "major
electrical fault" cut supplies across a huge area from Poole to Highcliffe
and Walkford.
Some planning news for those that haven't already heard.
The application to build on the Jesmond Avenue woodland site has been rejected.
What next I wonder?
Permission has been granted to demolish all the buildings on the MCA site at Steamer Point. However, no trees are to be damaged or removed.
I guess this is to be expected, as we all know that eventually homes will
be built on the site.
Also, there is already an approved application from the Maritime and Coastguard
Agency for 26 homes. It is only Pennyfarthing's attempts to cram as much
into the site as possible that have been rejected - so far.
Changes:
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April 18, 2021
News:
With the easing of lockdown, it seems the idiot morons are coming out to
play. I've been hearing bits and pieces about increased vandalism, and
it has apparently reached a situation where the Residents Association has
involved the Police.
(Not a word on the Neighbourhood Alert page by the way.)
Rather than me just repeating the details, take a look at the Echo report.
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19240942.highcliffe-residents-urged-report-crimes-incident-surge/
Changes:
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April 17, 2021
News:
Step 2 of lockdown easing. Plus the latest figures for the BCP area.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Police say we still need to be vigilant to the possibilities of terrorism.
Advice on what to look for, and how to report suspicions.
Neighbourhood Alert page updated
Changes:
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April 14, 2021
News:
Roads and Travel news.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Have your say on BCP Council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure
Plan (LCWIP). Plus other travel news.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Changes:
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April 11, 2021
News:
Police are aware of this, but the more people that know, and are keeping
their eyes and ears open, the better.
Youths on a moped have broken into garages in both Bermuda Court and Exeter
Court in Wharncliffe Road in the early hours of Saturday morning.
They try to gain access by forcing up the bottom of the up and over doors,
damaging both the door and the frame in the process.
This is the second time in three weeks this has occurred. On the first
occasion a car was stolen which was found wrecked in New Milton.
Changes:
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April 10, 2021
News:
Lots of useful information in this one. Includes latest COVID figures,
and information about free rapid lateral flow testing for all adults. Plenty
about the partial lifting of restrictions as well.
BCP - Latest news and updates
It's good to know that many businesses can reopen on Monday, including
outdoor hospitality venues (with table service only).
The Amberwood will still be offering their lunch delivery service to the
vunerable three days a week, a service which has been very much appreciated
during recent months.
Best of all (for me at least, as my hair is the longest it's been since
1965) is the reopening of hairdressers.
Changes:
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April 9, 2021
News:
Various items in this newsletter, including one about an online Careers
and Apprenticeship Show aimed at 15-19 year olds. Also Summer opening times
for recycling centres.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Changes:
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April 8, 2021
News:
An item close to my heart, having battled successive councils for years on the subject. As we all know, rubbish bins along the coastal strip have never been large enough, nor emptied often enough, to cope with the influx of visitors during Spring and Summer, resulting in knee deep rubbish which was even worse after a fine weekend.
Council officials could never understand that what was adequate in Winter doesn't work in a holiday/visitor season.
One I spoke to on the subject did not even know where Highcliffe Castle
is, and I had to provide a postcode so he could find it.
So I am really pleased to say that Chairman of Highcliffe & Walkford
Parish Council, Bob Hutchings, has informed me that they have negotiated
an huge improvement with BCP. Details below:
* All litter bins will be emptied twice daily from Easter until the end
of School Summer holidays
* The 240lt bins in car parks are to be replaced by 360lt bins
* Additional bins for Highcliffe will be delivered before the Season gets
into full swing
Well done (once again) to the Parish Council.
Dorset Police say "thanks" to the Kill The Bill protestors at
peaceful demonstrations last weekend
Neighbourhood Alert page updated
The latest Neighbourhood Watch Newsletter is available.
https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/2021-04/Apr%202021%20OUR%20NEWS.pdf
Changes:
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April 7, 2021
News:
This newsletter contains mostly "What to do" information, from
nature reserves, to golf courses, to National Trust.
BCP - Latest news and updates
A warning for all WhatsApp users. There's a nasty, clever scam about. A
message arrives seemingly from one of your contacts, If it looks anything
like below, it isn't, so don't answer it.
"Hello, sorry I sent you a 6-digit code by SMS by mistake, can you
transfer it to me please? It's urgent.”
No doubt Neighbourhood Alert will be issuing a warning in due course, but you can read all about it here.
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19211959.get-whatsapp-friends-family-dont-reply---scam/
A little more about the plan to offer display flags to businesses in Lymington
Road.
Jane Dean from Love Highcliffe says that although the idea was from them, the funding and support comes
from
Highcliffe & Walkford Parish Council.
Some of you noticed a typo in the date in the piece about the "Art
On The Quay" painting classes. The first is on Tuesday April 20. For
all the details see:
https://www.fortheloveofartclasses.co.uk/
Changes:
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April 5, 2021
News:
It's great to say that today's items are (almost) entirely good news.
Firstly, the Love Highcliffe team is preparing for the end of lockdown, by offering all Lymington Road
shopkeepers free flags to bring a "welcome To Highcliffe" message
to the street when everything opens on next week.
They also point out that while shutdown has been in place, voluntary groups
have been cleaning and painting areas along Lymington Road, and the BCP
Council has been addressing the dips, cracks, and potholes in our pavements.
Also, several shops have taken the time to revamp their premises.
There's also signs that some of the empty shops are being occupied. In
addition to Serenity Hair (mentione a couple of days ago) the old skateboard
shop at 401 Lymington Road (next to Top Chef Chinese Takeaway) is being
fitted out as a self-defense gym. I quote:
"Krav Maga is a modern close-quarters combat system based on simple
and instinctive responses"
Show your interest, or book a trial below.
https://www.kravmagabournemouth.club/
You will remember that a while ago I told you about For The Love Of Art,
offering art lessons to all, but particularly aimed at beginners, including
adults.
Rhiannon ia also now planning outdoor art classes. "Art On The Quay"
starts on Tuesday April 20, with more dates to follow. Visit the website
below to find out more and to book.
All materials will be provided, but numbers are limited, and the classes are very suitable for beginners.
https://www.fortheloveofartclasses.co.uk/
Doctor Stephen Collins, who joined Highcliffe Medical Centre in 1991, retired
at the end of March. We wish him a happy and full future.
Read what he has to say:
https://www.highcliffemedicalcentre.co.uk/news/dr-stephen-collins-is-retiring
No doubt there will be a BCP newsletter on the subject to come , but I'm
pleased to report that Highcliffe Library will reopen for browsing, borrowing,
and public bookable computer use from Monday April 19.
The library is open:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9:30am - 12:30pm / 2pm - 5pm
Wednesday: Closed
Saturday: 9:30am - 1pm
The Home Library Service doorstep deliveries and the free online resources - such as eBooks, e-audiobooks, e-newspapers, e-magazines, and Ancestry online - continue.
There's an interesting article on the ECHO website about Dorset's lost
and abandoned RAF bases, and the featured one is Christchurch, which is
now completely built over of course.
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19200793.lost-abandoned-raf-bases-dorset/
The only not such good news today also comes from the online ECHO. It seems
thare are many places in the Bournemouth area where it is not safe to walk
because of the amount of crime. The WalkSafe app alerts users when
they enter 'high crime zones' .
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19203718.app-reveals-dangerous-places-walk-bournemouth/
Changes: ART related page updated.
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April 2, 2021
News:
The latest COVID figures. Plus vaccine related information and advice.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Waste and Recycling news. Asking everyone to think twice before using the
recycling centres over the bank Holiday.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Changes: Serenity Hair added to Hairdressers page. (Not got all the details yet, but they are at 281 Lymington Road, at
the end of The Precinct.) Also new on that page is a link to Blades smart
new(ish) website.
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March 31, 2021
News:
A "Protect Your Car" campaign is launched.
Neighbourhood Alert page updated.
This could well affect some people.
The level crossing at Brockenhurst is to be closed for two complete weekends
to allow the replacement of worn out rails.
Even if the road closures don't concern you, just be aware that there are
no rail services either. Although replacement bus services will be in place,
you'll need to adjust your times if you are planning to travel.
The weekends of April 10/11 and April 25/26 are affected, and the closures
are for (more or less) 48 hours each time.
Changes:
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March 30, 2021
News:
Have your say on BCP Council’s Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.
BCP - Latest news and updates
A very nasty assault has come to light, it was on a 13 year old girl between Smugglers Lane North to Nea Close. Police are asking for help.
There's also an article on Dorset Police launching the Drive Programme
to protect victims and stop serial domestic abuse offending.
Neighbourhood Alert page updated.
Changes:
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March 29, 2021
News:
In case you missed it.
Despite BCP Planning Officer Kim Bowditch recommending permission be granted
for Pennyfarthing's plan to build 28 homes (including a block of flats)
on the old MCA site at Steamer Point, the application was refused by the
Planning Committee.
As one committee member said, “If it was an application on the West Cliff in Bournemouth I’d be looking at it very differently".
Great work from Councillors Brooks and Dedman who spoke against the plans at the planning meeting.
Read the full story below:
https://www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/steamer-point-homes-rejected
Changes:
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March 27, 2021
News:
COVID regulations change on Monday. Read all about them.
Also, the latest figures, financial help to get you to your vaccination,
and a couple of other items.
BCP - Latest news and updates
News about major road works in the Wallisdown and Charminster areas.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Changes:
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March 26, 2021
News:
Campaign launched to reduce springtime biker fatalities.
Martyn Underhill, Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, looks back on nine
years in the job.
Neighbourhood Alert page updated.
I have received an email from Gresham College about their free public online
lectures (apparently running since 1597) which can be watched both at the
scheduled time and afterwards online.
Take a look at the upcoming lectures - they are more or less every day
it seems. I'm sure many of you will be interested in some of the subjects.
(The scheduled lectures are linked at the bottom of this page.
https://www.gresham.ac.uk/about/
You may notice that this page looks a little different. It had become so
big that some people found it very slow to load, so it's been rebuilt.
If anyone wants any news items or links from before March 16, just let
me know.
Changes: Useful links page updated (see article above)
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March 24, 2021
News:
Join Leader of the BCP Council, Councillor Drew Mellor and others on Facebook TODAY at 1:00pm, for a discussion about how the council is preparing for Summer.
There's also news (and competitions) about the planned 78km of new foot and cycle paths.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Changes:
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March 23, 2021
News:
Worried about being hacked. Here's information and advice from Action Fraud.
Neighbourhood Alert page updated
As reported a few days ago, in future Friars Beach Cleans will be organised by Amelia Raine as original leader Graham Higley is moving to the North of England. (Some of you will already be aware of Amelia, who already organises Highcliffe Beach cleans.)
The easing of lockdown rules means that Amelia has been able to plan events for the coming months, obviously subject to alteration if the COVID situation changes again.
Pencil in these dates:
Sunday 8th August, 10.30 - 12.30
Sunday 17th October, 10.30 - 12.30
Sunday 16th January 2022, 10.30 - 12.30
I'm also hoping I may be able to get the What's On page up and running again, so if you have anything planned, please let me know.
Changes:
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March 22, 2021
News:
An amendment to the planning application to demolish Castle Lodge B&B has been put in. It seems to be because they want to demolish part of the boundary wall, which is listed.
See 8/21/0168/LB below.
https://planning.christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk/plandisp.aspx?recno=116116
An interesting article in the ECHO about the numbers of COVID victims in Dorset and the BCP area is worth a look.
It's sobering indeed. But one statement really stuck in my mind.
"An added, recent, factor has been older people who have been vaccinated no longer sticking to the guidelines. "
https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/19177247.older-vaccinated-people-causing-covid-infections-ignoring-guidelines/
Changes:
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March 20, 2021
News:
Latest COVID-19 figures for the BCP area.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Some news about the Friars Cliff Beach Clean Team.
The leader, Graham Higley, is leaving the team to move back to his roots in the North this Summer.
The good news is that Amelia Raine is taking over. Amelia already successfully organises the Highcliffe beach cleans, so is bringing her experience and enthusiasm to the Friars Cliff team as well.
Changes:
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March 19, 2021
News:
Wide range of subjects in this one. Census day (Sunday), next generation broadband for Christchurch area, family food vouchers for Easter, closure of A338 (Spur Road) for three nights next week, plus other items.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Changes: Useful links page has campsites website added. The link shows nearest sites to Highcliffe, but you can search the whole country.
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March 18, 2021
News:
Here's an update from Councillor Nigel Brooks on the BCP plan to introduce Zonal Parking restrictions across wide area of Highcliffe.
Summertime Parking Restrictions – Chewton Farm Estate area, Highcliffe - Update
Well done to our councillors, and to everyone else involved.
Library news. As stated a while ago, from Monday next, some libraries will offer an "order and collect" service. The scheme is starting with ten libraries, and our nearest is Christchurch. Online services continue to be available.
BCP - Latest news and updates
A Message from Deputy Chief Constable Scott Chilton and Police and Crime Commissioner Martyn Underhill Regarding Violence Against Women
Neighbourhood Alert page updated
Changes:
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March 17, 2021
News:
There's a live Q&A with Council Leader Drew Mellor TODAY at 1:00pm. (The newsletter says it is tomorrow, but it arrived overnight, too late for inclusion yesterday.)
There's also links for you give your views on housing, and on anti social behaviour.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Changes:
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March 16, 2021
News:
Parks and Open Spaces news (which I found more interesting than I expected).
There's also a link to check changes and updates to BCP services.
BCP - Latest news and updates
Changes:
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