Winton Forum

Winton News

Forums unite over Post Office closure plan

16/07/08

Winton Community Forum has been joined by the Queens Park and Charminster Community Forum in its campaign to let residents have their say about the proposed closure of the Post Office branch in the Charminster Road Co-op.

Both forums are publishing full details on their websites and a joint campaign is being planned with local churches to save this important community service from closure. The facts published by the Post Office are in some cases both out of date and erroneous.

Get the full details here.


Threatened post office closure

12/07/08

The busy Lower Charminster post office has been earmarked for closure according to a consultation document being issued by the Post Office.

The document names it as being in the Charminster Road Alldays Store, although the store transferred to Co-op ownership several years ago and has undergone substantial refurbishment.

The Co-op also provides a home to the Winton Post Office in Wimborne Road.

Winton Forum Chairman Anson Westbrook was instrumental in saving the Winton branch and says the Charminster proposal will be vigorously opposed.

"This is a busy post office," he said. "How are the elderly, diasabled, and parents with young children expected to cope? Frankly if the Post Office management don't even know that the store changed ownership several years ago, one wonders what data they are basing their proposed decision upon."


Drug house closed

10/7/08

Police have closed a house in Castle Lane West after it was found to have been used for drug dealing.

Magistrates issued the Closure Order under the 2003 Anti-Social Behavior Act after local residents complained about drug activity and anti-social behaviour.

A 21-year-old man, living at the address, was arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply. He was later released on police bail pending further enquires.

Drugs Closure Orders are served on properties that have been used in connection with the unlawful use of, production or supply of Class A drugs, and are associated with the occurrence of anti-social behaviour.

Details of the Closure Order have been posted on the front of the house. Any person found within the property before the three month Closure Order has expired is liable to be arrested and prosecuted.


Charminster stabbing

1/07/08

Two people are being questioned after a stabbing incident in Charminster.

Emergency services were called to Belvedere Road shortly after midnight. One man is in hospital being treated for serious injuries. Another had a minor hand injury.

Police are questioning a 49 year old man and a 47 year old woman in connecton with the incident.


Family escape fire

25/6/08

A family escaped unscathed this morning when fire broke out in their Winton home.

A fire team arrived to tackle a breakfast time blaze in one of the bedrooms of the property in Bemister road.

The upper floor was badly damaged by fire and smoke, but everybody managed to get out safely.


Alma Road car crash

16/6/08

Two men have been arrested after their car crashed into a shop window in Alma Road.

The red sports car was being pursued by police vehicle and had reportedly jumped two sets of lights when the driver lost control just after the junction with Charminster Road.

Police say police cars followed the Toyota MR2 from Oxford Road, along the Wessex Way and down Richmond Park Road. The driver had repeatedly ignored signals to stop.

Witnesses are asked to contact the police.


Fuel Panic - Police safeguard supplies

14/06/08

Dorset Police have issued a statement confirming that they will have enough fuel to ride out any shortages.

At the same time thay are asking us not to create a fuel crisis by panic buying.

The advice is:

  • Do not panic buy – you will only deplete existing fuel stocks more quickly and that could lead to greater fuel supply problems.
  • Fuel stocks nationally and locally are resilient, although the Shell tanker drivers’ four-day dispute may affect the fuel distribution system.
  • Only buy the fuel you need to go about normal day-to-day business – don't hold a full tank of fuel just in case.
  • Avoid unnecessary journeys if possible.
  • Consider vehicle sharing with friends or colleagues, especially for journeys to and from work.
  • Actively consider 'walk to school' schemes and the like to minimise short journeys.
  • Consider using public and other forms of transport.
  • Don't hold extra stocks of fuel in tanks and other containers – it’s dangerous and could lead to a greater potential for fire risk.

Thumbs down for Winton Primary School

6/06/08

Government inspectors have told Winton Primary School that it must do better.

Given an official notice to improve in its latest OFSTED report, the school scored bottom marks in overall effectiveness, achievement, standards, leadership and management. In all other aspects it was classed as satisfactory.

The report says: "The leadership structure introduced around three years ago by the school has had a strong impact on pupils' personal development and well-being. However, it has not met the need to raise standards, because of inadequate provision for subject leadership. The senior managers and governors took too long to respond to clear indications of falling standards, and as a result many pupils, particularly in the last two years at the school, have been attaining standards well below those of which they are capable."

An action plan has now been introduced and the report also makes a number of positive comments about the behavour and conduct of the pupils together with the efforts now being made by teachers to improve standards.

Download a full copy of the report here.


Somerfield Supermarket Fire

2/06/08

An electrical fault is believed to have triggered the blaze which has severely damaged the Somerfield supermarket warehouse in Wimborne Road.

The alarm was raised just before midday 2 June. Within a short time more than fifty firefighters were on the scene. Wimborne Road and a number of adjoining roads were sealed off.

Initial fears that gas cylinders might be in the burning building proved unfounded, but a number of small explosions were caused by aerosol cans.

It took more than two hours to bring the fire under control. Fire teams managed to prevent it from spreading into the main store, although it is likely to remain closed for a time because of smoke damage.

Somerfield's management have been praised for their efficiency in evacuating customers and staff - some of whom were accomodated in the Hollies pub.


Service Station Card Scam - 500 victims

29/05/08

Police say they have now been contacted by around five hundred people in connection with the alleged credit card "skimming" at a Winton Service Station.

The two men arrested at the Westview Service Station in Charminster Road have now been released on police bail. They are described as local and aged 27 and 49.

Credit card details and pin numbers believed to have been illegally obtained from customers at the Service Station have reportedly been used in countries around the world including Canada, Malaysia, India, Egypt, Portugal, Australia, China, USA, Holland and Taiwan..


School Burgled

28/05/08

A man and a woman have been questioned after a break-in at St Lukes School in Bemister Road.

Intruders broke though a glass door to get into the building on the evening of Saturday May 24. A police officer spotted suspicious activity at around a quarter to nine. Two people were arrested shortly afterwards and have now been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

A police tracker dog was deployed. Police want to hear from anybody who saw anything suspicious at the time of the burglary.


Winton pub attack

27/05/08

Police are appealing for witnesses after a fight outside the new Parkstone and Heatherlands pub in Wimborne road.

A man was reportedly talking to some women in the pub when he was approached by a second man. A violent argument then turned into a fight which spilled out onto the pavement outside.

One of the men was hit in the face with a beer glass and then kicked as he lay on the ground.

Police say the attacker drove off in a black Nissan 4x4 vehicle which they want to trace. The incident happened on Bank Holiday Monday evening, 26 May.


Garage Credit Card Fraud arrests

27/05/08

Two men have been arrested after allegations of bank card cloning at a Winton service station.

Customers of the Westview Service Station in Charminster Road are being asked to check their bank or credit card statements.

Calls started coming into Dorset Police on Bank Holiday Monday, 26 May, and police officers began an investigation the following morning. The service station was closed for a time as the premises were searched.

Two men from Bournemouth – one aged in his 20s and the other aged in his 40s – were arrested at the garage on suspicion of conspiracy to defraud the banking industry.

So far, Dorset Police has received more than 25 calls from worried members of the public alleging bank card fraud.

Dorset Police is issuing the following advice to the public:

1. Make sure you are not being watched when entering your PIN number.

2. Hide your key pad with your hand when you put in your pin code.

3. If you feel you may be being watched and you are using a mobile pin machine, move the machine to somewhere where you are not being watched and put in your pin making sure that you put your hand over while you input your pin.

4. If you feel your card has been compromised, immediately report it to your bank and Dorset Police on 01202 222 222.


Stokewood Centre accolade

25/05/08

Stokewood Leisure Centre has been ranked as the 15th top performing leisure facility in the UK.

The assessment was made by by Quest - a national scheme which assesses the operational efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation.

Centre Manager Colette Kiernanderis says, "We have achieved a highly commended rating and an overall scoring of 80% which is a 5% increase on our previous assessment in 2006 and puts us on a par with the Littledown Centres scoring! This is a fantastic achievement by all the staff and I would like to thank everyone for their involvement and contribution towards achieving this wonderful result."

The Stokewood Leisure Centre will be significantly improving its facilities later on this year with a £330,000 investment to increase the size of the gym by over 70% and to build a new spinning studio. More about the centre here.


Unsung Hero Awards

21/05/08

The search is on for Bournemouth's Unsung Heroes.

Those eligible include individuals or groups who work within the Bournemouth conurbation to encourage residents to live healthy lifestyles, those keeping the town clean or green, improving community spirit, reducing crime or antisocial behaviour or helping others less fortunate.

Whether it’s volunteers working for a particular cause, residents going above and beyond for a club or project or those showing individual acts of kindness – we want to hear your stories.

The awards fall under six categories; Fighting Fit, Community Spirit, Crime Buster, Clean and Green, Heart of Gold and Hero of the Year. The Heart of Gold Award will go to an individual or group who has championed the cause of others in their community.

All nominations received for the awards will automatically be entered into the Hero of the Year category. The winner will be an individual or group who has made an outstanding contribution, excelled in voluntary work or made a tangible difference to an individual or the wider community.

Nomination forms are available to download from the Bournemouth 2026 or Daily Echo website, for collection at the Echo’s reception in Richmond Hill or can be sent via post by calling Clare Hickinbotham on 01202 436887. All nominations must be received by July 7 2008.


Bingo Hall Breakthrough

17/05/08

Plans to turn Wimborne Road's former Moderne Cinema / Gala Bingo Hall into a church community centre have taken another step forward.

Gala have accepted the Bournemouth Community Church offer to convert the building into a multi-purpose complex. It is not planned to extend the building and the only external alterations would be a new entrance and lobby area.

Bournemouth Council are happy with the change of use, and there have been no objections from nearby residents.

Gala closed the building in February. The Church plan is to start work later this year and open the new centre by Spring 2009.

For more about the building see here and here.


Tories hold Winton seat

2/05/08

The Conservatives have retained the Winton East seat vacated by Councillor Sue Cowley.

On a turnout of 24.6%, Tory candidate Douglas Spencer was first past the post with 590 votes. Runner up and former councillor Anson Westbrook gained 411.

Full results:

BENNETT, Barry John Sinclair British National Party 104
EEDE, Roger Green Party 126
LOCK, Malcolm Kenneth Independent 132
SEMPLE, Mel Labour Party 244
SPENCER, Douglas Lloyd Barton Conservative Party 590
WESTBROOK, Anson Liberal Democrats 411
WHITT, Sam UK Independence Party 51

Winton Carnival

26/04/08

Winton Carnival will kick off at midday on June 28 with a parade making its way down Wimborne Road and on to Winton Recreation Ground to the accompaniment of brass, pipe and silver bands.

At Winton Rec there will be a funfair, family attractions, and a large stage featuring top music acts ranging from rock, jazz and country to indie, samba and soul. The music is planned to go on until ten at night.

This is the community event of the year and everybody can be involved. Businesses and schools in particular can play a big role by taking part in the parade and/or having a stall on the ground. Sponsorship is also welcome from community minded companies.

Thousands of people turned up last time. Book your stall and/or place in the parade now!

Info and application forms can be downloaded from the carnival website at www.wintoncarnival.co.uk.


More Development Plans

25/04/08

Plans have been submitted for three more blocks of flats in Winton.

36-60-62 Hawthorn Road. Erection of a 2-3 storey block of mixed development comprising of 5 office units and 43 flats with bin and cycle stores and formation of vehicular access and parking spaces submitted by Raglan Housing. Application no 7 2008 1058-6. Public expiry 18.05.08.

29 Latimer Road. Erection of a 2-3 storey block of 5 flats with bin store. Submitted by Prime Tower. This is a part amendment to an application. Application no 7 2008-933-E. Public Expiry 18.05.08

5 Cramner Road. Erection of a 2 storey block of 4 flats and cycle store. Submitted by Dave Wells. Application no 7 2008-23653. Public expiry 18.05.08


Safe Drink Message

20/04/08

Drinkers are being urged to get the balance right in a new campaign with local supermarkets.

In a bid to reduce so-called ‘pre-loading’ in which drinkers stock up on booze at supermarkets and binge drink before heading into town, the campaign is urging them to get the balance right and drink responsibly. For more advice they are being referred to http://www.drinkaware.co.uk.

Recent figures show that 65,000 people aged over 16 in Bournemouth and Poole drink at hazardous levels and there has been a steep increase in alcohol-related liver disease.

Bournemouth has one of the highest alcohol-related death rates in the country for men - it ranks eighth in the national risk table.


Host Family Shortage

11/04/08

Host families are urgently being sought by a number of language schools expecting a bumper intake of students this summer.

BEET Language Centre in Charminster says it desperately needs more host families because it's already 25 per cent ahead of enrolments compared to this time last year.

Host families provide accommodation, meals and the experience of living in a British family for language students over periods of several weeks to months.

Payment rates this summer are between £84 and £105 per week for a single room, and £68 to £85 for a shared.

More details at 01202 397721 or visit beet.co.uk.


Lark Rise plaque for Winton

10/04/08

A Blue Plaque has been unveiled at one of the houses in Winton where celebrated author Flora Thompson lived, wrote and brought up her family.

The move follows extensive research conducted on this website - including the first published picture of the house at 2 Edgehill Road. She also lived in Sedgley and Frederica Roads.

Flora Thompson wrote the classic book Lark Rise to Candleford which was recently serialised on BBC Sunday evening television. Wife of the local postmaster, she educated herself in the then newly opened Winton Library.

For more about Flora, see here.


Forum meeting cancelled

10/04/08

Forum chairman Anson Westwood is standing as a candidate in the current election for Winton East and as a consequence it has been decided to cancel the Forum public meeting that was due to chair on April 14.

The next Forum public meeting will be on June 23.


Election Campaign Underway

8/04/08

Seven candidates are competing in the scramble for the Winton East seat on the Borough council.

The seat became vacant on the resignation of Conservative Councillor Sue Cowley.

The election is set for Thursday May 1. Contesting the seat are the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats, Labour, the UK Independence Party, the British National Party, the Green Party and an Independent.

More details here.


Gala decision expected this week

31/03/08

Bournemouth Community Church is hoping to hear this week that Gala have accepted its plan to convert the former bingo hall and cinema to a church and community centre.

As part of the project the church wants the old Moderne cinema to live again. It intends to install a large screen and high quality projection and sound system so it would actually be one of the largest cinemas in Bournemouth. And harking back to the building's heyday more than fifty years ago, there would be Saturday showings of family films in the upstairs auditorium.

Just as it provided a springboard for some of the big names of the "Swinging Sixties" to make their name on the Moderne stage, it would be made available to local theatre groups, orchestras,and bands.

For more about the building see here and here.


Church bid for Gala Bingo Hall

28/03/08

The former Gala Bingo Hall / Moderne Cinema could be converted into a church and community centre.

Bournemouth Borough Council has received a change of use planning application from the Bournemouth Community Church. Similar cinemas in other parts of the country have been converted into church centres.

If the plan goes ahead, the church intends to make the facilities available to other groups. Part of the building would be converted into a sports hall.


Chance to save a life

26/03/08

Visitors will get the chance of a 90 minute life saving course during the open day at Redhill Park Fire Station.

The sessions will be delivered by staff from Dorset Fire & Rescue Service, Dorset Police and South West Ambulance. Places are limited to around 100 and if you would like to take part in the life-saving skills workshops you will need to register your interest by contacting Watch Manager, Stuart Jeneson or Station Manager Dave Arundel on (01202) 526847.

Apart from the life saving sessions there will be an opportunity for all visitors to see the fire fighting equipment and meet the crews.

The event is on Saturday May 3rd between 10am- 4pm


Flats for Denmark Road

26/03/08

Developers want to demolish the existing building at 9 Denmark Road and erect a 3 storey block of 7 flats. There will be an integral bin store and secure cycle store. No parking is being offered with this site.

There have been applications for flats on both 4 and 7 Denmark Road which have been refused by the Council and are awaiting a public hearing due to be held on the 14th May at the Town Hall.

More recently there has been a planning application for 7 Denmark Road for change of use from a B1 classification to a B2.


Changes for motorists

25/03/08

Changes are being introduced to make enforcement of parking and traffic regulations clearer and fairer.

As from April 1 Parking Attendants will be called Civil Enforcement Officers. Parking Charge Notices (PCN) can be issued by post if the vehicle is driven away when the officer is in the process of issuing the PCN or considers his/her personal safety may be compromised

There will be two tier PCNs depending on the severity of the parking offence - £70 reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days for contraventions with the potential to compromise road safety or cause congestion and £50 reduced to £25 for contraventions of parking place legislation in both on and off street locations e.g. overstaying your parking time.

A wider range of parking contraventions will include parking on zig zag approaches to pedestrian crossings, parking HGVs on verges and central reservations and parking on a cycle lane. There are also changes to the way appeals can be made including more information on PCNs to explain how vehicle owners may make a representation if they wish to challenge the PCN, the council having to respond within 56 days to any formal appeal against the issue of a PCN and a Notice to an owner cannot be served by the Council more than 6 months from the date of the PCN.


Thwarted developers resubmit flats plan

19/03/08

There has been an application to build a 2-3 storey block of 14 flats with bin and cycle stores at 13 – 15 Privet Road

The developers recently lost an appeal on this site for flats but have resubmitted with no parking on offer this time.


Environmental black out

18/03/08

Reach out for your Radio Times - the Council is urging everybody to switch off their electricity for an hour at 8PM on 29 March.

The "Earth Hour" is part of a global initiative designed to inspire people to take action on climate change and global warming.

To find out more see http://www.earthhour.org/.


Meals on Wheels

18/03/08

Residents can look forward to an improved meals on wheels service from 1st April.

The service will be controlled by Bournemouth Borough Council in partnership with a local commercial meals delivery service.

Users will benefit from a 7-day a week, 365 days a year service offering good quality hot meals with a selection of menu choices delivered each day. Residents receiving these meals pay for the food and the delivery cost continues to be paid for by the Council

The Council is tendering the service out to commercial meal delivery operators and dedicating funds to research and develop new initiatives to help people at risk of malnourishment.

Residents interested in a meals delivery service can look in telephone directory under ‘Food and Drink Delivery’ or alternatively contact the Councils Care Direct team. Tel: 01202 454979.


Curtains for silver screen

14/03/08

Residents have been told that there is little chance of the former Gala bingo hall being restored to its former glory as a classic 1930's Art Deco cinema.

A public meeting, arranged by Moordown ward councillors, heard that there was no possibility of the building being listed and that the council did not have the funds to keep it as a community facility.

It is understood that an approach has been made by at least one community organisation, but they did not have the money to carry through their proposals. The Bournemouth Community Church has publically expressed an aspiration to take over the building.

Residents were assured that in the event of redevelopment, guidelines would be drawn up that were sympathetic to the neighbourhood. Gala still has not said what it intends to do with the building.


Death of Senior Winton policeman

14/03/08

Tributes are being paid to Inspector Neil Munroe whose body was found on the Sandbanks shoreline early yesterday morning.

As North Bournemouth Section Commander, based at Winton, Inspector Munroe was a well known local figure. Investigations into the circumstances of his death are continuing.

Winton Forum Chairman Anson Westbrook issued this statement:

"On behalf of the Winton Community Forum I wish to express our shock and deep sense of loss on the death of Inspector Neil Munroe.

Based at Winton for two and a half years, he was a good friend to the Forum and the community. He played, for example, an invaluable role in supporting the Winton Carnival.

He was a man who gave his best for Winton over the period he was at Winton Police Station and did so with a great sense of fairness and good humour. His advice and friendship were always greatly valued.

Our thoughts are with his family at this very sad time."


Election date set

13/03/08

Winton is set to elect its replacement for Councillor Sue Cowley on May 1st.

An election will take place on the same day in neighbouring Queens Park and Charminster where controversial Conservative Councillor Alex Adams has resigned. He was criticised for poor attendance at council meetings and apparently deceiving the electorate.

He stood on an "anti-developer" platform although he was in fact a developer linked to a planning application in Charminster.


Councillor resigns Winton seat

10/03/08

A Winton councillor has resigned after less than a year in office.

Conservative councillor Sue Cowley won 933 votes in the May 2007 election for Winton East . It was the second best total in the ward. She was only narrowly beaten by husband Nigel Cowley who achieved 983.

Mrs Cowley  says, "It has been a rewarding experience and a great honour to represent the residents of Winton and I would like to thank everyone for their support. It is not a decision I have made lightly.  It has been difficult at times juggling so many different things and still retaining some work, family, life, balance. I am hoping that I will be able to achieve this now".


Future of the Gala Bingo Hall

10/03/08

There are reports that prominent local housing developer Dave Wells is expressing an interest in the former Gala Bingo hall in Wimborne Road.

Gala has not yet said what it intends to do with the building which internally boasts some striking 1930's architectural features and has the capacity of a 1500 seat cinema.

Residents concerned about the fate of the building are being urged to attend a meeting with the Moordown ward councillors.

The Moordown Ward public meeting is scheduled for 7PM, Thursday 13th March in the Hall of the Church of the Nazarene (corner of Mayfield Road / Queen Mary Avenue, Moordown).

See Memories of the Moderne and a photo walk around the building.


Brassey Road sword threats

4/03/08

A 47 year old man has been arrested after two men were threatened by a man with a samurai sword near the Embassy Youth Club.

Both incidents happened early on the evening of Saturday March 1 in Brassey Road, not far from its junction with Wimborne Road.

Both victims are thought to have been in their late teens and are not believed to have been hurt. One ran for help to a nearby house, the other escaped and called the police. The swordsman is described as wearing a camouflage jacket.

Police want to hear from anybody who saw the incident, and especially from the second man who did not contact the police.


Forum chief demands Uni action over riot

3/03/08

Winton Community Forum Chair Anson Westbrook has issued the following statement following the disturbances in the Latimer Road area:

"Following this very serious incident , what action are the University/Arts College going to take to prevent this from happening again ?

The irresponsibility of the students in advertising an open party on the web defies belief and they should be dealt with severely by the University/Arts college.

Following a survey of members, the Forum held a public meeting to discuss the problems of ‘Studentification’ with the University/Arts College and Local Authority and Police.

Residents at this meeting were extremely vocal and expressed their concerns about the anti-social behaviour of some people who attended these institutions.

The Forum were assured by the College representatives that they would be consulted on a planned approach to address resident concerns. The Forum was not consulted on this very important issue, however the University has issued some guide lines, which we have now published (see below).

We in the Forum would also like to know what Councillor Paul Hughes, appointed as the Student and University representative, is doing about it."

The following is the text of the Action Plan produced by the University in response to the Forum meeting:

  • Residents to phone 524111 giving their name and address to BU security staff/answer phone with details of their concerns - depending on the nature of the issue it may be more sensible for them to contact, for example, the police or environmental health.  The University will investigate the complaint, to identify whether the incident involves BU students and then follow up with a visit or letter as appropriate - available from mid-February.
  • BU ICR department to produce materials for local, eg, Winton Forum websites - materials available with immediate effect.
  • Production of a leaflet for students emphasising the need to act as good neighbours, recycling tips etc - should be ready in March/April. 
  • BU to invite residents to the University on a termly basis to allow discussion of developing issues - this would include Talbot Village residents as well as those from Winton and beyond.
  • Production of a Code of Conduct for students in private rented accommodation adapted from that for students in BU managed accommodation - should be ready in March/April. 
  • Production of a joint BU-Council leaflet for residents giving key contacts and useful information - aim for the start of the next academic year, September 08.

Drunken mob runs riot

3/03/08

Police fought to contain a near riot on the streets of Winton in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Residents say as around two hundred drunken teenagers ran amok in the Latimer Road area, some climbing onto scaffolding around the newly constructed mosque.

It is understood that police were first called about a noisy party at around 11PM on Friday night, but were told to call the Environmental Health Department.

The drunken mob descended on Latimer road after a university student had advertised a party there on the Bebo internet social networking site.

As events rapidly got out of hand and violence spilled out onto nearby streets, a helicopter, police dogs and officers in riot gear were called in to try and impose order. Groups of drunken teenagers were finally shepherded away from the immediate area.

The police support helicopter hovered over streets between Wimborne Road and Charminster Road for some time.

At one point Wimborne Road was closed off by police vehicles. Three people were arrested and one treated for injuries.

Residents report that alcohol was being sold from a table outside the property. Officers were pelted with bottles and cans.

The student house was two doors down from a property where a cannabis factory had been discovered a couple of months ago.

Calm was not restored to the area until about 3AM.


Armed Raid on Tesco Express

27/02/05

Police are appealing for witnesses after an armed raid on the Tesco Express near Northbourne Roundabout.

It happened just before 10AM on Monday 25 February when three men threatened staff with knives and got a way with cash from the tills and safe.

The men were wearing almost identical outfits of balaclavas, blue fleeces, blue jeans and white gloves. Two men were wearing white trainers and one was wearing black trainers. They were all of medium build and around five feet ten inches tall.

The gang made its getaway in a silver Mercedes, registration HD02 OAX, which had been stolen from Talbot Woods on the previous Saturday night. The car was later found in Georgian Way.

Police want to hear from anybody who saw the robbery or may have seen the car.


Cannabis Factory Blaze

18/02/08

Another cannabis factory has been unearthed - this time after fire teams turned up to tackle a fire on the premises.

The blaze broke out at the house in Cyril Road early on Sunday morning. Fire-fighters were surprised to discover rooms full of mature cannabis plants and a sophisticated heating and lighting system. Local people thought the house had been rented out to students.

Other houses in the street were without power for several hours as a result of the fire.


Cannabis man jailed

16/2/08

An illegal immigrant from Vietnam has been jailed after being caught running a cannabis farm in Charminster.

The 43 year old was arrested during a raid in January and now faces eighteen months imprisonment and deportation. The man had sold his home and paid more than £10,000 to travel to the UK.

The court heard that the house in Shaftesbury Road had been comprehensively equipped for cannabis cultivation and more than 300 plants were growing there at the time of the raid.


More Drug Raids

5/02/08

Police have carried out Valentine's Day drug raids on houses in Pine Road and Queens Park.

Mature cannabis plants and a sophisticated heating, lighting and watering system were discovered at the Queens Park property along with thousands of pounds in cash and a quantity of white powder suspected of being a controlled drug.

Several people including a 31 year old man from Winton were arrested, questioned and subsequently released on police bail.

Items believed to be used in cannabis cultivation were seized at the house in Pine Road.

Police say the operations were mounted in response to tip offs from local people.


Ello ello ello

5/2/08

Residents are to get a chance to meet the local community police officers at a special surgery in Winton Library.

There will be an opportunity to discuss matters of concern in confidence as well as simply get to know officers who are often the first point of contact with the police.

The surgery is between 3.15 and 4.15PM on Thursday 28 February.


Drug sweep nets Winton cannabis factories

24/1/08

Police have uncovered two cannabis factories in Winton.

The sophisticated facilities were revealed after raids on ordinary houses in Parker and Hankinson Roads.

Police described the installation in Hankinson road as substantial. Four rooms were filled with cannabis plants. Electricity was being tapped from the mains and the rooms were linked to a large ventilation system that led up to the roof. A pumping system supplied water and the bath was full of chemicals.

The discoveries were part of a sweep that unearthed a total of six cannabis factories including ones in Capstone and Shaftsbury Roads in Charminster. The street value of cannabis seized in the operation is thought to be around £2 million.

Police describe the operation as "intelligence led" and want to hear from anybody who believes a property is being used to cultivate cannabis.


Bingo's last call

23/1/08

Gala has confirmed that its Wimborne Road Bingo club is to close on 10 February.

Cited reasons include falling attendance, online bingo, television gambling games and the smoking ban in public places.

Negotiations are underway with staff. Some may be made redundant while others may be transferred to other clubs. Club members are already being promised a big farewell party.

The likely fate of the art-deco building is still unknown.

For more details read "Death knell for the palace of dreams" just down this page.

We have now added a pictorial "walk round" of the building.


German church demolished

21/1/08

The German church in Moordown has been demolished almost exactly a year since the last service was held there.

The Martin Luther Kirche was established in the 1960's and served the German-speaking community across Dorset and the New Forest.

Supported over many years by a dance school that used its hall in Easter Road, it was finally decreed uneconomic and sold. The site is now to be turned over to housing.

The church bell, however, has not fallen silent. It has been transported half way across the world and is now calling a church congregation to prayer in Namibia, South West Africa.

Read about the history of the church.


Death knell for the palace of dreams?

17/1/08

One of Winton and Moordown's most prominent buildings is under threat of closure and demolition.

Gala has named its Bingo Club in Wimborne Road as one of several due for the axe because of falling membership.

It is feared that the art-deco building could be demolished and replaced with flats. Once a cutting edge example of classic 30's architectural design the former Moderne cinema has played a part in the lives of countless local people for more than seventy years.

It was not only the starting point for many courtships and romances, its talent contests also launched the careers of some big names in pop music.

Moves are now underway to see if it can be preserved. Suggestions include it being a new home for Bournemouth Community Arts or a Heritage Centre.

For more on the history of the building see here.


Winton gets Citizens Advice Bureau

9/1/08

Winton is to have its own Citizens Advice Bureau from 5 February.

The service aims to try and resolve debt, benefits, housing, legal, discrimination, employment, immigration, consumer and other problems and is available to everyone regardless of race, gender, sexuality, age, nationality, disability or religion.

It will be based at Winton Resource Centre on Wimborne Road. Appointments can be made by phoning 290967.


Stateside break for Winton film maker

4/1/08

A film from a Winton-born director is to get a showing at a top international festival.

Carlo Ortu's "Safe Zone" is to be shown at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival in California later this month, and at a Hollywood festival in February.

Dealing with the emotional consequences of a serviceman's tour of duty in Afghanistan, it has already been nominated for a UK Film Council Award for best film at the London Short Film Festival in a couple of weeks time.

Carlo Ortu grew up in Winton. The thirty two year old film-maker lived first in Pine Road and later in Hankinson Road. He attended St. Luke's Primary School and Bournemouth School before gaining a first-class honours degree in Media Production from Bournemouth University.

He both wrote and directed "Safe Zone". It is the latest in a series of short films. More information can be found on his website www.sugarspunpictures.com.


First International Forum Member

1/1/08

Winton Community Forum has conferred a New Year Honour - and named its first honorary overseas member.


Rosemary and husband Jim

Rosemary Jankowski made a Christmas visit to our web site from her home in Winton Minnesota. She was so impressed that she applied to register for membership of the Forum. The application was considered and she was granted honorary overseas membership.

Rosemary's ties with the Minnesota Winton go back to her birth there in 1937. Her early married years were spent in Chicago, but the lure of Winton drew her back.

She and her husband raised a family of five there. He was Mayor of Winton for nine years but died tragically young from a rare liver disease.

For many years Rosemary served as the Winton postal clerk and helped her second husband run the Fat Chicken feed store which incorporates the Post Office.

They retired five years ago to their home just North of Winton. It is surrounded by forest wildlife including whitetail deer and wolves.

Rosemary says she is proud to be a member of our Community forum and sends her very best wishes to everybody in Winton for the coming year.


Girl attacked near Winton Rec

13/12/07

Detectives in Bournemouth are appealing for help in tracking down a man who assaulted a teenage girl in Heron Court Road.

The incident happened in the road near Winton Rec between 8.45pm and 9pm on the evening of Tuesday, 11 December 2007. The man jumped out of the bushes and grabbed her, but she broke free and ran off.

Detective Sergeant Kim Goodenough said: “The 14 year old victim wasn’t physically injured but understandably shocked, scared and upset by her ordeal and it’s vital that I find the man responsible.

“The victim describes him as white, with a local accent and although he spoke with the girl I don’t want to go into details about what he said.

“I do know that there were several other young people not far from where this incident happened and so I’m appealing to the youngsters who were in Heron Court Road on Tuesday evening to come forward urgently.

“It’s quite likely that the young people may be unaware of what happened to the girl, and because of this they may not realise that they could have vital information about the incident or the man responsible.”

Police officers carried out house-to-house enquiries in the immediate area and specialist crime scene investigators have examined the scene.


Woolworths Ram Raid

28/11/07

The front of the Winton Woolworths store has been badly damaged in a ram raid.

A Ford Fiesta was repeatedly reversed into the main doors at around 7AM on Wednesday 28 November. The driver had already shunted another car out of the way in order to make the attack.

He appeared initially trapped in the vehicle but escaped out of a window. A man in his twenties was arrested shortly afterwards by police in a nearby road.

Wimborne Road was closed for over three hours as the vehicle was removed. Temporary repair work continued through the day and into the evening.


Charity swimmer

27/11/07

A Winton woman has completed a "cross-channel" swim to raise hundreds of pounds for charity. Miriam Bray swam the 22 miles in stages at the Stokewood Road baths.

The money goes to Brain Tumour UK. Miriam was motivated to do the charity swim after a close relative was diagnosed with a brain tumour.

She says "Brain Tumour UK is a fantastic support for those with this relatively rare and
particularly devastating form of cancer." The website is still open for donations.


Flying Doctor

27/11/07

Local doctor, borough councillor and Forum member Nigel Cowley has completed a half marathon in aid of the Boscome Crumbs charity.

The 13 mile event was staged in Portsmouth. He did it in just under 1 hour 20 minutes.


Burglar alert - student targets

15/11/07

Residents are being warned to check home security and keep valuables out of sight after a wave of burglaries in the Charminster area.

Police believe several criminals are involved. Many of the victims have been students and properties were normally entered through insecure doors or windows.

Stolen goods include valuable electronic equipment such as lap-tops, mobile phones, personal MP3 players and DVD players.

Detectives want to hear from anyone being offered such items cheaply, or knowing of such items being sold. You can call them on 222222.

Police recommend owners registering their valuable possessions with the free database www.immobilise.com which allows owners to record serial numbers and make it easier for stolen property to be returned to them.


Cleaning up the streets

15/11/07

Volunteers have cleared more than twenty bags of litter in big sweep across Winton.

Seventeen people of all ages took part in the two hour "Litter Pick" of roads and open spaces. The team included local councillors Sue Cowley and Paul Hughes. The only major part they missed was Wimborne Road, which is cleaned daily by the Council anyway. Completion of the mission was rewarded with tea and cakes at the local Community Church.

Gloves, bags and litter picking equipment were loaned by Bournemouth Council. The event was organised by community worker Lucy Shattock.

Plucky pickers - some of the volunteers and their haul

New appeal in Barnett murder case

12/11/2007

Detectives investigating the horrific murder of Bournemouth mother Heather Barnett have issued a fresh appeal to the public after new scientific analysis of the cut hair found in the victim’s right hand.

They are appealing for help in identifying and tracing the owner of the cut hair. Chemical and isotope analysis shows that the person visited eastern Spain and or southern France for up to six days some eleven weeks before the hair was cut. They then visited the urban area of Tampa in Florida, southern USA, for eight days some two to two and a half weeks before the hair was cut.

The new appeal comes on the fifth anniversary of Heather’s mutilated body being found by her two children in the bathroom of her ground floor flat in Capstone Road, just after 4pm on Tuesday, 12 November 2002.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who undertook, or recognises, the patterns of travel to the southern USA and southern Europe - before Tuesday, 12 November, 2002 - to call detectives in confidence via a special hotline on 01202 222 500 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.


Accident Black Spot

3/11/07

New safety measures are being introduced after another accident at the junction of Maxwell and Heron Court Roads.

Council officials hope to have installed a long promised interactive speed safety sign by the end of November. They also propose tactile paving at the junction.

Continuing negotiations are underway with the Dorset Safety Camera Partnership to extend speed enforcement in the area.

Some cars have been clocked at around 60mph as they approach the junction. Several have ended up in nearby gardens.


Graffiti Blitz - Free Removal

2 /11/07

A 12 month campaign has been launched to remove all graffiti daubed at low level up to four square metres in size from brickwork, concrete or similar surfaces, free of charge from any property in Bournemouth.

Any larger area of graffiti or one located at high level needing specialist equipment to remove it will be assessed and discussed with the property owner. In these cases there is likely to be a charge.

Graffiti on painted or stained services will be assessed to see what materials would be needed for it to be removed or painted over. In some cases householders would be expected to produce the required paint for the work. Providing the cost is less than £100 the graffiti will be removed by the council team. If the cost is more than £100 the property owner will be charged.

To take advantage of the service or report graffiti call 451199. There is a £250 reward for information leading to a conviction.


Explosion alert

30/10/07

Scores of people were evacuated to safety in the early hours of Monday morning after fears of an explosion rocking houses in a Winton street.

Firemen were called to tackle a midnight blaze engulfing a shed and a van in the back garden of a house on the corner of Edgehill and Hawthorn Roads. The evacuation was ordered when there were reports that gas cylinders might be present.

Residents were given temporary shelter at Winton Methodist Church. They were allowed to return to their homes at around 6 in the morning.


Charminster sex raid

27/10/07

A 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with brothel, drugs and money laundering offences after a police raid on a house in Charminster.

Two young women of South East Eastern appearance were also escorted from the building. The raid took place on the evening of Thursday 25 October and was part of Operation Pentameter 2 - a national campaign to tackle human trafficking and sex trade exploitation.

Police say women and girls from Eastern Europe and the Far East and being forced into prostitution across the region. They are appealing for tip offs from neighbours about suspicious activity such as numbers of strange callers or continually drawn curtains.


Litter purge

17/10/07

Local people are being invited to help spruce up Winton and take part in a drive to clear litter.

If you want to take part in the litter pick, meet at the small park area next to Winton Library on the WImborne Road at 11am on Saturday 10th November.

The communal effort is expected to take about three hours. It is being organised by the council's local neighbourhood worker Lucy Shattock


Kids journey into Winton's past

15/10/07

Children are to get a chance to experience some of the games they would have played in Winton a century ago.

As part of the celebrations of Winton Library's centenary birthday, they're being invited to come in for a trip through the fashions and pastimes of the past hundred years.

Staff will be dressed in period costumes ranging from Edwardian through to the 50's. Among the activities - dressing Edwardian dolls, creating a 3D model of a Victorian parlour, spinning tops, traditional colouring sheets, and exploring a Winton timeline.

It all happens during half term at Winton Library between 9.30 and 12 on Thursday, 25 October.

If you're interested in the history of Winton library, take a look at the page we have just added.


Schools Survey

9/10/07

Winton parents are being asked what extra services they would like to see offered by local schools.

By 2010 schools should be providing access to:

  • High quality childcare on or near the school site from 8am-6pm all year
  • A range of activities including homework and study support but also sport, music, drama, arts & crafts
  • Parenting support including information when children change year or move on to secondary school, specific programmes run with other services to allow you and your children to learn together
  • Swift and easy access to health and social care support services like speech and language development, child and adolescent mental health services, intensive behaviour support, sexual health services
  • Wider access by the whole community to computer, sports and arts facilities and adult learning.

Surveys will go out from schools before half term with return-by dates in November. Make sure your preferences are taken into account!


Teenager arrested - renewed police appeal

5/10/07

A fifteen year old youth has been arrested and questioned in connection with the attack on a Syrian-born man in Winton Recreation Ground.

He was subsequently released on police bail and police are appealing for more infomation.

Acting Inspector Wayne Nock says: “I’m disappointed with the response we’ve had to our appeal for witnesses as I know there were lots of people nearby when the incident occurred."

"As well as other witnesses there were a large number of young people in, or near the group that included the person who allegedly carried out the assault, and I’m appealing to those young people to please come forward urgently and help us with our inquiry.”

A £200 reward is still on offer for information leading to a conviction.


Older stories can be found in the News Archive

 

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