|
Burglary E-Fit released
20.01.12
Detectives
have released an e-fit picture of a man believed to be responsible
for a daylight burglary in Queens Park.
The incident, in which a man forced entry
into a house in St Albans Road and stole jewellery
and electrical items, happened at around 3pm on Thursday
5 January 2012.
Stolen items include an iPad, a games console
and a diamond ring.
It is believed the man called at a neighbouring
house at around 2.30pm earlier that afternoon, only to make
vague excuses to the occupants when they answered the door.
The man is described as black, over 30 years
of age, around six feet tall, of a slim build and with a
long face. He was wearing dark clothing.
Anyone who witnessed this incident,
or anyone who has any information that may assist the investigation,
should contact Dorset Police on 101 quoting incident 11:48
or Crime stoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.
St Luke's scheme road works
10.1.12
Construction work starts shortly on the 20mph
zone surrounding St Luke's School.
The project will involve creation of road
humps, crossings and other road and pavement features. It
starts on January 16 and is expected to last for five weeks.
At various stages Heron Court, Maxwell and
Somerely Roads will be closed and diversions will be set
up.
Good marks for Winton school
10.1.12
Winton Arts and Media College is making good
progress under the leadership of its new headteacher. That's
the verdict of the latest Ofsted report which puts the school
among the most improved in Britain.
It says that although the 2011 GCSE standards
were below the national average, there are clear signs of
improvement in achievement and attitude since the school
was placed under special measures last year.
Among the findings: teaching and learning
is much better, behaviour and safety are much better, and
achievement and standards are higher.
Examination results have seen a 10% point
rise, making the school one of the most improved in the
country.
The full Ofsted report can be found here.
Christmas Tree Recycling
7.1.12
During the two weeks starting Monday 9 January,
you should put your tree out for collection on the day of
your normal refuse collection (little bin) that is also
the opposite week to the recycling bin (big bin) collection.
If you miss your collection day your tree
can be taken to Millhams Household Recycling Centre for
disposal or to the Kings Park collection point which will
be running on January 8, 15 and 22 from 9am till 1pm.
More action on noise
31.12.11
Another Bournemouth resident has been prosecuted
for noise nuisance and has had his sound equipment permanently
confiscated following a breach of a Noise Abatement Notice.
Lee Baker of 1A Wooton Gardens was served
with a Noise Abatement Notice by Council officers in June
2011 after complaints about loud amplified music coming
from the property on a number of occasions.
He subsequently breached the order on 26 June
2011 and a warrant was served to seize all sound-making
equipment from the property on 30 June 2011.
Baker appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates
Court on 20 December 2011 and was prosecuted for breach
of the notice with an 18 month conditional discharge and
forfeiture of all sound-making equipment.
If a further breach is witnessed in the next
18 months the Council could take the matter back to the
courts.
Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for
Communities, said: "The Environmental Health team has
undertaken a number of equipment seizures over the last
year and the judge's decision to forfeiture all of the sound-making
equipment was a fair and a good outcome for both the Council
and for those residents affected by the noise nuisance.
This sends out a strong message to residents that we will
not tolerate anti-social behaviour of this nature in Bournemouth
and the team will continue to robustly prosecute individuals
who continue to disturb their neighbours. It also highlights
the importance of residents reporting any issues of noise
nuisance to the Council so that further investigation can
take place."
Residents can call 01202 451296 to report
noise nuisance in Bournemouth.
Fake Alcohol Warning
19.12.11
There is a warning today that fake wine and
spirits are being sold in Bournemouth.
Counterfeit wine has been seizwed, as well
as industrial alcohols (e.g. Methanol and Isopropanol) being
sold as vodka.
"Spending on these products is just pouring
money down the drain," said Councillor David Smith,
Cabinet Member for Communities. "At best, these drinks
are third-grade and dressed up as well-known quality brands:
at worst, they could damage your health."
The quality of counterfeit packaging will
vary, but here are a few things to look out for when spotting
counterfeit alcohol products:
* Misspellings, such as "AUSTRLIA"
in place of "Australia"
* Labels glued in place at odd angles
* Flat printed labels where products are usually embossed
or have
holograms
* Unusual places of origin - vodka from Italy, for instance
* Vague or incomplete importer details - reputable manufacturers
will be proud of their products, and will usually have a
website as well.
Consumers finding any alcohol product which
alerts their suspicions can contact Consumer Direct (the
Government reporting line) on 08454 040506 or 01209 720333
Local Primary School Performance
16.12.11
New figures from the Department of Education
show that only two primary schools in the Winton/Queens
Park/Charminster area did better than the national average.
Performance tables for the achievement of
Level 4 in English and Maths show that 85% of pupils at
St Walburga's and 78% at St Luke's made the standard. The
national average is 74%.
Details are given in the table below. For
more data on these schools and others in Bournemouth go
to the full performance
tables on the DfE website.
| School name
| School type
| % achieving Level 4 or above
in both English and maths
|
| 2011
| 2010
| 2009
| 2008
|
| England - all schools
| |
74% |
73% |
72% |
73% |
| Schools |
| St Luke's Church of England
Primary |
Voluntary Aided |
78% |
75% |
72% |
78% |
| St Walburga's Catholic
Primary |
Voluntary Aidedl |
85% |
88% |
80% |
90% |
| Malmesbury Park Primary |
Community |
64% |
72% |
64% |
72% |
Queens Park Infant |
Community |
No KS2 data available for
this school |
| Queen's Park Junior |
Community |
53% |
62% |
68% |
64% |
| St Martin's |
Independent |
No KS2 data available for
this school |
| Moordown St John's Church
of England Primary |
Voluntary Aided |
72% |
68% |
83% |
87% |
| Talbot House |
Independent |
No KS2 data available for
this school |
| Winton Primary |
Community |
64% |
56% |
69% |
54% |
| The Park School |
Independent |
No KS2 data available for
this school |
Council clamps down on noise nuisance
14.12.2011
A Winton resident has been fined £200
and had his sound equipment confiscated following a breach
of a Noise Abatement Notice.
Gordon Cameron of 8 Parker Road, Winton was
served with a Noise Abatement Notice by Council officers
in October 2011 after a number of complaints about loud
amplified music coming from the property late at night.
He subsequently breached the order just hours
after the notice was served when he ignored police and Council
officers' requests to turn the music off.
A warrant was served by Bournemouth Magistrates
Court to seize all noise-making equipment from the property
on 20 October.
Cameron appeared at Bournemouth Magistrates
Court on 7 December 2011 and was prosecuted for breach of
the notice and was fined £200. If a further breach
is witnessed before 7 January the Council could take the
matter back to the court.
Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for
Communities, said: "Thanks to the swift action of Council
officers, with the support of the police we have been able
to deal with this noise issue effectively. This sends out
a strong message to residents that we will not tolerate
anti-social behaviour of this nature in Bournemouth. It
also highlights the importance of residents reporting any
issues of noise nuisance to the Council so that further
investigation can take place."
Charminster sex attack
2.12.11
Police are looking for two men after a sexual
assault on a woman in Charminster's Lowther Road.
The woman got off a bus at Cemetery Junction
at around 4.3PM on Friday 18 November, and went to the Charminster
Tesco Express before walking down Lowther Road. It was there
at about 5PM when she was approached by two men and subsequently
assaulted.
One man is described was Asian-looking, in
his 20s, with brown skin, about 5ft 5in tall and of small
to medium build. He had black spiky hair and was wearing
a black jacket. The second man was of about the same age
but taller than the first. He had a lighter skin colour
and was of a larger build. He had dark hair and was wearing
a jacket. Both spoke with Asian accents.
Witnesses or anybody with information should
call the police in confidence on 101, quoting incident number
18:399. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers
line on 0800 555 111.
Effects of strike on Wednesday 30 November
The council has issued the following list of expected effects:
Refuse, recycling and green waste collections
Residents should put out all bins that are scheduled for
collection as normal on the day of the strike. Any bin that
is missed should be put out ready for collection on Saturday
3 December 2011. Millhams Civic Amenity Site will be open
as usual.
Libraries
Kinson Hub library will be open as usual. Boscombe, Bournemouth
and Castlepoint libraries will be closed As part of the
normal schedule all other libraries are closed on a Wednesday.
Library items are not due to be returned or renewed on 30
November 2011
Schools
All schools apart from Linwood School will be closed to
pupils. Schools are communicating direct with parents about
closures
Day centres
Two centres will remain open (to be determined on the day).
Passenger
Transport will operate as usual. For those residents who
organise their
own transport it is advisable to check with the individual
Day Centre
before making your journey.
Passenger transport
All services will operate as usual
Children's centres
Children's Centres will be open as usual
Community Centres
Community centres will be open as usual
Town hall
Bournemouth Town Hall will be open as usual. The Council's
customer
services centre will be operating as normal on 01202 451451
(although
callers may experience longer waiting times)
MP confronts Winton student problems
26.11.11
Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns has told local
residents that he is determined to tackle problems of anti-social
behaviour associated with the high concentration of students
in the Winton area.
In a meeting today organised by Winton Forum,
residents told him of the destruction of a community and
creation of ghettos where ordinary families had been forced
to move out because of abuse, shouting, noisy parties that
lasted from evening to the following morning, street litter
including broken bottles and vomit, urination, defecation
and even sex taking place on the street.
He heard how some residents were afraid to
complain because of fear of reprisals, and of situations
where police officers were unable to exert control because
they were outnumbered by dozens of drunken students.
Landlords were strongly criticised for failing
to take responsibility for properties. The local authority
came under fire for failing to provide adequate waste disposal
and street cleaning. The University and AUCB were blamed
for not exerting enough discipline upon students and failing
to impress on them the need for social responsibility. Many
residents felt that they paid their council tax and suffered
while the universities, landlords and students profited
at their expense.
Some of the suggested solutions included proper
licensing of landlords, tougher university action to enhance
its own reputation and deal with problem students, and university
funded security patrols which would operate like proctors
in older established universities.
After the meeting Conor Burns admitted that
many residents had been suffering in silence. He said: "I'm
really concerned that people are living with this ongoing
problem. People are clearly very emotional as a consequence
of being ground down over a period of time by consistent
bad behaviour by a group within the community - emanating
from the student body. I'm absolutely resolved now to see
what we can try and do to offer some hope of a quiet and
more peaceful future."
Further meetings are planned with very senior
representatives of the organisations involved.
AFC backs local youth football project
24.11.11
AFC Bournemouth is backing a project that
could turn some of Winton's young football fans into professional
players.
The 'Pine Park Goals Project' is to be held
in Pine Park, Pine Road, Winton starting on the 14th December.
Participants will be split into 2 sections
- one for the Under 13's between 17:00 and 18:00 hrs and
one for the 13 plus age group from 18:00 - 19:00 hrs.
This is a project run by Dorset Police along
with Bournemouth Council and AFC Bournemouth. There will
be a coach from AFCB there giving training, there are also
youth leaders and a community police officer in attendence.
Portable floodlights are being introduced
to provide illumination.
Charity collection theft
11.11.11
Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone
with information to come forward after a charity collection
box was stolen from a shop in Moordown. CCTV images have
been released of a man and a woman that officers wish to
speak to.
The
incident, in which a Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal charity
box was taken from the Tesco Express store on Wimborne Road,
took place at approximately 8.25am on Sunday, 6 November
2011.
The exact amount of cash that was stolen is
not known.
Sergeant Andy Edwards said: This theft
was a heartless act that has taken money, generously donated
by the public, away from an extremely worthy cause.
I believe a man entered the store and
cut a chain to release the charity collection box, before
concealing it under his jacket and leaving the store.
This was a despicable and callous theft
and I am committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
Witnesses and anyone with information should
call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident
number 07:204. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous
Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs
may apply.
Uni acts tough on student noise
12.10.11
Bournemouth University has revealed that more
than two hundred students were the subject of anti-social
behaviour complaints last year.
Of the two hundred and four dealt with, 159
got an initial warning letter, 20 were interviewed with
no further action, and 23 got fines of between £50
and £75.
Twelve students applealed against their fines,
but the appeals were not upheld.
Fifty houses were involved.
Charminster Drugs Raid
12.10.11
Drugs have been seized in a raid on a house
in Avon Road, Charminster.
Police entered the property with a search
warrant on 6 October. One person was arrested and charged
with possession of Class A and B drugs. Two other people
were cautioned.
If you have any information regarding criminal
activity and would like to speak to an officer in confidence,
then please call Dorset Police on the new non-emergency
number of 101.
Action hots up over student behaviour
11.10.11
A spate of anti-social behaviour centred on
student houses has prompted a strong reaction from the University
and Arts University College authorities.
Already this term residents have complained
about a number of issues including students holding loud
parties into the early hours of the morning, shouting, vomiting
and urinating in the streets and nearby gardens.
Both the University and AUCB have issued statements
to Winton Forum which can be seen on our message
board and student issues
page.
The main message for residents is to call
Environmental Health on 01202 451145 or alternatively the
new 101 non emergency police number at the time that the
nuisance is occurring. It is understood that the intention
is to clamp down hard and some students could even face
losing their university and AUCB places.
National award for Winton police heroism
01.10.11
Two
Winton-based women police officers are to receive national
awards for their heroism in tackling a brutal armed gang
who were subjecting a young family to a horrifying ordeal.
Their actions led to the three men being jailed for a total
of twenty nine years.
PC Katie Harvey and PC Kelli Walker were unarmed
when they confronted and arrested the men who were in the
process of torturing a man in his Castle Lane home.
Both officers are described as demonstrating
considerable bravery in tackling and detaining three armed
men, without knowing whether or not they would use their
weapons. They are to receive the ITV Daybreak Emergency
Services Award on Monday. It is part of the "Pride
of Britain" campaign.
Both officers have already the South-West
regional award for police bravery.
Tidy up the neighbourhood
01.10.11
Community organisations, local groups and
even neighbours are being invited to organise their own
litter picks as part of Bournemouth Council's Smart Streets
programme.
The Council will provide organised groups
of people with all the equipment necessary including hi
vis clothing, bags, gloves and litter grabbers to help carry
out a clean up in their immediate community. They will also
collect and dispose of all the waste bags afterwards free
of charge.
Anyone interested in organising their own
litter pick should telephone cleansing & waste on 451199.
New 101 police number
19.09.11
Dorset police have launched a new telephone
number for non-urgent enquires. You should now dial 101
to speak to the police on anything which is not an emergency.
The new 101 number replaces the previous non-emergency
police number 222 222.
Call 101 to report crime, to contact the local
Safer Neighbourhood Team, to give information about crimes
that have been committed or to make a general enquiry.
But always dial 999 in an emergency when life
is in danger or a crime is in progress.
Calls to the 101 non-emergency number from
both landlines and mobile phones cost 15 pence per call
no matter what time of day you call, or how long you are
on the phone.
Flood action
15.09.11
A special group has been set up to help shape
emergency responses in the wake of the August 18th flash
floods.
It will comprise of local councillors and
representatives of the Environment Agency, Wessex Water
and the Emergency Services. The group will focus on areas
of improvement and changes to Council procedures to help
develop and improve local service responses to future flood
situations.
Councillors John Adams, Mark Anderson, Robert
Lawson, Michael Weinhonig and Roger West will represent
the Council on the group. The decision to form the group
was taken in light of floods that saw Bournemouth experience
a month's worth of rainfall in a single day.
Man on life-support after Charminster
fracas
06.09.11
A 23 year old man is critically ill in hospital
after a violent incident in Charminster.
The man suffered brain damage in the incident
and is comatose on a life-support machine in Poole Hospital.
Emergency services were called to Heron Court
Road near its junction with Charminster Road at around 2.30AM
on Saturday 3 September. Residents reported having heard
a number of voices shouting and screaming.
A 49 year old man also suffered minor facial
injuries in the incident.
Two 15-year-old boys and a 17-year-old have
been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.
A fourth has been questioned and released on police bail.
The youths are due to appear in court this
morning.
Bowls club targeted
02.09.11
Burglars have got away with several
hundred pounds after breaking into the bowls club building
in Winton Recreation Ground.
They forced open steel shutters and then broke
into a safe. The damage alone is estimated at several thousand
pounds.
The burglary happened in the early hours of
Wednesday morning 31 August.
Red Arrow Condolences
21.08.11
A book of condolence has been opened for the
Red Arrows pilot killed on Saturday just after giving a
display during the Air Festival.
You can sign the book, add your thoughts and
make a donation if you wish. The book is located at the
Town Hall and will be available for some days.
Thirty three year old Flight Lieutenant Jon
Egging's plane apparently failed to recover from a shallow
dive and crashed into a field near Throop Mill.
Flt Lt Egging was a Qualified Flying Instructor
and had flown ground support missions as a Harrier pilot
in Afghanistan. He and his wife lived in Rutland.
Locals save injured man's life
15.08.11
Charminster residents are being praised for
actions that may have saved the life of a man trapped in
a road accident.
The motorcyclist was involved in a collision
with a car at the junction of Stewart and Charminster Roads.
The vehicle ended up on top of him, pressing down on his
chest and making it hard for him to breathe.
Within seconds around two dozen local people
had gathered round the Ford Fiesta and physically lifted
it away from him.
The accident happened late on Saturday afternoon.
The motorcyclist was taken to hospital were his condition
was described as serious but stable.
Arrests on riot charges
11.08.11
Local police have made three more arrests
in connecton with the public disorder that has swept across
parts of Britain.
A 23 year-old man from Poole and two 16 year-old
boys - one from Poole and one from Bournemouth - were arrested
on suspicion of incitement to riot.
Assistant Chief Constable Adrian Whiting is
leading the Dorset Police operation. He said: "Anyone
planning on either inciting or causing disorder should understand
that their behaviour will not be tolerated and Dorset Police
will arrest them and set about bringing them to justice."
Dorset Police officers are also visiting anyone
linked in any way to social networking discussions about
planning of or involvement in disorder to warn them about
the potential consequences of their continued participation.
ACC Whiting continued: "Although the
events experienced around the UK in the last few days have
quietened down and Dorset has not, so far, suffered any
repercussions, we will continue to monitor the situation.
We also continue to appeal to members of the public with
any information that would help us to keep Dorset safe to
come forward."
Todays three arrests follow the arrest
of a 23-year-old man from Bournemouth on Tuesday 9 August
2011, who has since been released on police bail while enquiries
continue.
Meat cleaver muggers
05.08.11
Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone
with information after a teenager was robbed and threatened
with a meat cleaver..
The incident, in which two men threatened
a 16-year-old boy and stole his mobile phone, happened in
Charminster Road at the junction with Lowther Road, at around
1.10am on Saturday, 23 July.
The victim was not injured his Apple
iPhone 4 was stolen. The offenders walked off along Lowther
Road, telling the victim that he should walk in the opposite
direction.
Detective
Constable Rich Saunders, of Bournemouth CID, said: "Following
further enquiries, I am now able to release a CCTV image
that shows two men who may be able to help me with my investigation.
"One of these men is also shown on CCTV
in a nearby supermarket, in which he purchased a can of
lager."
Anti-social behaviour down
02.08.11
Latest figures show that anti-social behaviour
is down by 23.5% across North Bournemouth.
There were 642 fewer incidents of anti-social
behaviour (ASB) reported across North Bournemouth between
1 April and 31 July 2011 - a reduction of 23.5% compared
to the same period in 2010.
A number of initiatives have been introduced
by Dorset Police and its partners to reduce the number of
incidents of ASB.
This includes running targeted police operations
as both a preventative approach to incidents of ASB and
to provide a policing presence in areas where previous incidents
have occurred.
In addition, police and partners regularly
conduct visits to the parents of young people found to be
involved in anti-social behaviour and ASB contracts have
also been introduced to monitor the behaviour of young people
involved in incidents of anti-social behaviour.
The North Bournemouth policing area includes
Bearwood, Kinson, West Howe, Northbourne, Wallisdown, Moordown,
Winton, Throop, Muscliff, Townsend, Strouden Park, Charminster,
Queens Park, Meyrick Park, Talbot, Bournemouth University
and Bournemouth Arts University College.
Eye on the park
29.07.11
A CCTV camera has been installed in Winton
Recreation Ground.
The move follows concerns expressed by local
residents about possible anti-social behaviour in the park
- which has once again this year won a Green Flag award.
Surveillance data will be made available to
the police, but the camera is not expected to be a permanent
fixture.
Head quits school
18.07.11
The head teacher of Queens Park Junior School
has quit after the school apparently failed to make enough
progress following an adverse Ofsted report.
In a letter to parents following disappointing
SATS results, head Dominic Sibeth said that he was leaving
by mutual agreement with the Local Authority and the Chair
of Governors.
The Ofsted inspection in March had put the
school on "special measures" and concluded that
"Key aspects of the school's provision including the
curriculum, and teaching and learning are inadequate. Leaders
and managers are not driving improvement effectively. The
school has not made sufficient progress since the last inspection
and, therefore, cannot demonstrate that it has the capacity
to make and sustain improvements. The school's self-evaluation
procedures lack rigour and there has not been sufficient
monitoring and evaluation of the progress and attainment
of different groups of pupils."
Deputy head Alexandra Roberts will be running
the school until the end of term.
Sex attacker e-fit
17.07.11
Police
have issued an e-fit of a sex attacker who may have been
responsible for a number of offences in the Bournemouth
area.
The most recent was in the early hours of
Sunday 22 May when he grabbed a 19 year old woman and dragged
her into a driveway at the Richmond Hill end of Wimborne
Road, before sexually assaulting her.
Police say they are connecting him with at
least one case of indecent assault and possibly with a number
of other similar incidents.
The man is described as in his early to mid-twenties,
of a slim build, with a dark skin complexion and short dark
curly hair. In one of the incidents he was wearing a grey
T-shirt with a gold arrow piercing through a large red shiny
heart printed on the front. His belt had a distinct silver
skull and crossbones buckle. He was also wearing a silver
chain with a silver cross attached and distinctive diamond-studded
earrings in both ears.
Anybody who thinks they may recognise this
man is asked to contact Bournemouth police on on 01202 222222
quoting incident number 20:421.
Bravery award for Winton police officers
09.07.11
Two Winton-based women police officers have
been rewarded for showing exceptional courage in a dangerous
situation.
PC Katie Harvey and PC Kelli Walker have received
the South-West regional award for police bravery.
The officers, both based at Winton Police
Station, were unarmed when they confronted and arrested
armed gang members in the midst of a violent burglary.
Both officers are described as demonstrating
considerable bravery in tackling and detaining three armed
men, without knowing whether or not they would use their
weapons. Their courageous actions brought an end to a terrifying
ordeal for a family with a young child and lead to three
violent offenders being brought to justice.
The officers were invited to a reception in
Downing Street with Prime Minister David Cameron before
receiving their award at the ceremony held at the Savoy
Hotel in London.
Their actions were described as heroic by
Dorset Chief Constable Martin Baker.
Crash memorial unveiled
09.07.11
Those who died in wartime bomber crash are
now remembered in a memorial in Moordown.
The Halifax bomber crashed on Wimborne Road
in March 1944. All seven crew and two civilians were killed.
Full details of the crash were first published
as an eyewitness account on the Winton Forum website in
2007. Click here to read them.
The memorial is at the corner of Wimborne
Road and Meadow Court Close.
Fashionable restaurant revived
07.07.11
A neglected Winton restaurant is back in business
more than seventy years after it had become one of the most
fashionable in the area,
Once
an ultra-smart art deco venue where flappers could enjoy
the novelty of an ice cream parlour - and after a long period
of dusty neglect - the restaurant at the former Moderne
cinema and Gala bingo hall has been refitted and is back
serving refreshments.
Part of the Bournemouth Community Church LifeCentre
redevelopment, the restaurant's worn-out chrome and torn
leather furniture has been replaced by glistening white.
It has now been re-named the Cafe Moderne.
Today's menu features soups, warm baguettes,
Paninis, salads, cakes and a variety of Italian coffees.
Taken for a ride
05.07.11
Police are looking for a gang who offered
an elderly Moordown woman a lift as a means of robbing her.
The woman was offered the lift to her home
in Brassey Close in a dark saloon containing two men and
two women. On arrival, the two women asked if they could
use the toilet. One of them used the ploy to take money
from the elderly woman's handbag.
One of the women is described as white slim
build, brown hair, aged between 28-32 years old. The other
is described as white, medium build, dark brown shoulder
hair, aged between 16-17 years old.
The incident happened at around lunchtime
on Monday July 4.
Police are warning elderly residents not to
allow people into their homes unless they are absolutely
sure they know who they are.
Restivo gets life for Heather Barnett
murder
30.06.11
Danilo Restivo has been found guilty and sentenced
to life imprisonment for murdering Charminster seamstress
Heather Barnett almost nine years after her two children
discovered her mutilated body.
The 39-year-old Italian was found guilty of
killing 48-year-old Heather Barnett during the morning of
Tuesday, 12 November 2002. The judge told him he would never
be released.
Heathers daughter Caitlin and son Terry,
then aged 11 and 14, found her later that day after returning
from school to their ground floor flat in Capstone Road.
She had been struck several times to the head
with a hammer-type object and had been left with an unknown
womans hair in her right hand.
During the six-week trial, the 12 members
of the jury heard that Restivo had been among the first
people to comfort Heathers distraught children.
Restivo, who moved to the Bournemouth area
from Italy in 2002, lived immediately opposite the Barnett
family along Chatsworth Road with his lounge window
looking directly out onto the flat in which she worked as
a seamstress.
Charminster shop raided
13.06.11
A gang has got away with cash after a violent
weekend raid on a Charminster shop.
Three men burst into the Premier Bulbul Express
and Off Licence in Bennett Road at about 6.20AM on Sunday
morning. Another man stood watch outside.
The gang attacked the shop assistant, leaving
him with facial injuries that needed hospital treatment.
Three of the gang were described as black,
about 5ft 10 inches tall and wearing dark hooded tops. The
fourth man was white, stocky and also wearing dark clothing.
All four ran off down either Capstone or Bennett
Road. Police want to hear from anybody who saw anything
suspicious or may have found something unusual dumped in
their garden.
Witness appeal
13.06.11
Police are renewing their appeal for witnesses
and anyone with information to come forward after the death
of 17-year-old Emily Longley a month ago.
Inspector Neil Devoto, Senior Investigating
Officer, said: "We are extending our enquiries to a
wooded area between Queenswood Avenue and Copsewood Avenue,
Queens Park, Bournemouth near to the address in Queenswood
Avenue where Emily was found on the morning of Saturday,
7 May, 2011.
"We are asking for information about
two men described as in their late teens seen acting suspiciously
in that area around 6pm the evening before she died, Friday,
6 May 2011."
Witnesses and anyone with information should
call Dorset Police inconfidence on 01202 or 01305 22 22
22 quoting incident number 7:166.
Meet the police
11.06.11
Charminster and Queens Park Safer Neighbourhood
Team would like to invite you to attend a street corner
meeting to be held at Charminster Road junction with Kings
Road between 1900-1930hrs on Thursday 23rd June.
This is your chance to meet members of the
team and discuss any ongoing issues or concerns that you
may have.
If you would like to talk to a member
of the team but cannot attend the meeting then please contact
them on either 07917 557177 or their email address of c&qp.snt@dorset.pnn.police.uk
Phone scam alert
10.06.11
Dorset police are warning that a telephone
scam is currently doing the rounds.
Victims receive a telephone call from a person
claiming to be from BT. The caller claims they will disconnect
you because of an unpaid bill and ask you to make payment
via credit card over the phone.
They realise that you may not believe them
so offer to demonstrate that they are from BT by asking
you to hang up and then try dialling someone. They say they
will disconnect you to prevent making that call.
During this process your phone will appear
dead, no dialling or engaged tone - nothing until they phone
you again. This is simply because they have not hung up
at the other end and has nothing to do with disconnection.
Do not give any credit card details to the caller.
If you have any concerns or would like to
speak to a member of your local safer neighbourhood team
please contact 01202 22 22 22.
Carry the torch for Bournemouth!
6.6.11
The search is on across the country for 8,000
inspirational people to carry the Olympic Flame on its 70-day
journey around the UK .
The Olympic Torch will pass through Bournemouth
on 13th and 14th July 2012 and the national organisers,
LOCOG, want YOUR nominations for people who you think deserve
the honour of carrying the Olympic Torch through the town.
Give someone you know the opportunity to
have their moment to shine and nominate them as a Torchbearer
by 29th June 2011.
Go to www.london2012.com/olympic-torch-relay
to nominate.
Burglary Alert
17.05.11
Police say a series of burglaries appear to
be taking place in the Branksome and Talbot Woods areas.
These are occurring in the afternoon with
entry being gained by smashing a window with a stone or
rock. Items stolen include electrical goods and cash.
You are advised to review your home security
arrangements. A free crime prevention survey is available
through your Local Safer Neighbourhood Team. If you see
anything suspicious around a property please dial 999 immediately.
Go Green Survey
17.05.11
Bournemouth council is conducting a survey as part of its
environmental campaign.
You can take part by visiting
this page.
Quarter century of helping people
13.05.11
A local pharmacist is today celebrating 25
years service to the local community.
Jackie Campbell came to the Fiveway branch
of Rowlands Pharmacy after backpacking round the world.
She had gained her qualifications at London University before
gaining experience at major hospitals in Bedford and Nottingham.
She was offered the job on three months trial, and has never
looked back.
Well known for her friendly and sympathetic
approach, Jackie likes to spend her spare time either scuba-diving
or singing in a local choir.
Protect your Neighbours
13.05.11
Residents are being encouraged to help protect
their elderly and vulnerable neighbours from distraction
burglars and rogue traders.
Dorset Police and East Boro Housing Trust
have teamed up in the "Refer a Neighbour" scheme
to fit free locks and door chains to homes of elderly and
vulnerable people in the area.
The organisations are encouraging concerned
residents to call the dedicated Refer a Neighbour hotline
number and leave their neighbours details on the 24-hour
answer phone.
A local Safer Neighbourhood officer will then
pay them a visit to provide advice on home security and
how to deal with strangers who call at the door, as well
as offering the option of having free locks and door chains
fitted by East Boro Housing Trusts Handy Van Security
Service.
To qualify for the scheme the referred person
must live in Bournemouth or Poole, be unable to adequately
secure their home or prevent strangers from entering their
home and be aged 60+. Labour is free and materials are free
up to a value of £250.
The Refer a Neighbour hotline number
is 01202227840. Calls can be left anonymously and visits
will be treated with discretion.
Tory victories in Winton, Queens Park,
Wallisdown and Moordown.
6.05.11
Echoing the result across the borough, Conservative
candidates have swept the board in Winton East, Moordown
and Wallisdown and Winton West.
In most cases the Tories registered double
the number of votes of their next nearest political rivals.
They have consolidated their position in Winton
East despite a large number of opposing candidates and a
problematic situation in which one Tory councillor had been
suspended by the national party and another had defected
to the Liberal Democrats.
The most nail-biting result of the day was
in Queens Park where two Conservative candidates got exactly
the same number of winning votes and the third, former Tory
leader Stephen MacLoughlin, after two recounts, lost to
Lib Dem Carol Ainge by just two votes
Click here for
full local results on our politics page.
Car vandalism
20.04.11
Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone
with information to come forward after four cars were criminally
damaged in the Charminster and Winton areas.
Sometime between 12.30am and 8.30am on Monday,
18 April 2011, tyres were punctured on a total of four parked
cars along Meyrick Park Crescent, Lonsdale Road, Bennett
Road and Wimborne Road near the junction with St Lukes Road.
Witnesses and anyone with information should
call Dorset Police in confidence on 01202 22 22 22 quoting
incident number 18:57.
American TV role for local drama student
20.04.11
A
young Bournemouth drama student has landed a part in a major
American television series due to be aired on Sky later
this summer.
Twelve year old Aidan Alexander is a pupil
at the Charminster-based Bournemouth Youth Theatre and will
be appearing alongside a number of top actors including
Jeremy Irons.
The series depicts the Borgias - one of the
most corrupt and notorious families in history. It is set
in sixteenth century Italy, but was filmed largely on location
Poland.
Aidan plays the part of the young brother
of the infamous Lucrezia Borgia.
Safer Neighbourhood Volunteers
19.04.11
Charminster and Queens Park safer neighbourhood
team are currently recruiting Street Reps for the area.
If you care about your local community and
would like to make a difference in your area then please
contact them at c&qp@dorset.pnn.police.uk for more details.
Big choice in May elections
6.4.11
Voters will be getting a bigger than average
choice of candidates in the local elections on May 5.
The list of nominations shows no less than
fourteen people standing as borough councillors in both
Winton East and Queens Park. Twelve are standing in Moordown
and eleven in Wallisdown and Winton West.
Alongside candidates fielded by the three
main parties, there are also a number of independents and
representatives of the Green, UK Independence, and and Liberal
parties.
More information and a list of candidates
across the borough can be found on
the council website.
Violent burglary in Charminster
17.03.11
Police are appealing for witnesses and information
after a pensioner was robbed in his own home.
Two men entered a house in Charminster Road,
near the junction with Luckham Road, between 8.30pm and
9pm on Thursday, 10 March. They pushed the 81 year old owner
to the floor and made off with several items, including
a bus pass, shop reward cards and a packaged Tetleys
toy red lorry.
Detective Constable Mark Shields said: The
two offenders knocked on the propertys rear door,
waited for the victim to answer and then knocked him to
the ground. They ransacked his bedrooms before making good
their escape.
Both men are described as white and aged in
their twenties. They were wearing dark clothing.
Thieves at bay
04.03.11
A number of ornamental bay trees have been
stolen from front gardens in the Queens Park area.
The thefts have all occurred in the past few
days during the early hours of the morning.
It is likely the trees were stolen to order
and police are appealing for information from anybody who
may have seen anything or have an idea of where the trees
may have ended up.
Police step up ASB patrols
18.02.11
Police are scheduling an increasing number
of patrols to combat anti-social behaviour in the area.
The move is timed to coincide with schools
half-term and the lighter evenings.
Additional police officers and PCSOs will
be on hand during the half term week to carry out patrols
and respond to specific incidents of anti-social behaviour
as they occur. The officers will also check on known offenders
during their patrols. You are asked to report any incidents
to Police on 01202 222222 or in an emergency dial 999.
Queens Park burglary alert
8.2.11
Criminals are targeting homes in Queens Park
in series of burglaries.
So far there have been seven break-ins in
the last fourteen days. Police say most of them have been
between 8.00pm and midnight, with Wednesday and Saturdays
being the prevalent days.
Police advise residents to review their home
security arrangements. A free survey is available through
your Local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
If you see or hear anything suspicious please call the Police
on 999 immediately.
Police hunt Charminster flasher
8.2.11
Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone
with information to come forward after a man exposed himself
to a woman walking down Charminster Avenue..
The man whistled at her and exposed himself
at around 7pm on Friday, 4 February. He was standing on
the pavement at either the Strouden Road or Gresham Road
junction with Charminster Avenue.
He is described as white, slim, in his thirties,
and had light short blonde hair. He was wearing a dark jacket
and dark trousers.
Richmond Wood Road burglary
7.2.11
A ground floor flat was broken into on Richmond
Wood Road, Charminster between midday on Saturday 5th February
and 3.00 pm on Sunday 6th February . Entry was gained by
forcing a rear window but it is believed nothing was stolen.
Poluice are asking residents to take this
opportunity to review home security.
If you would like a free crime prevention
survey please contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.
If you saw anything suspicious in the Richmond Wood Road
area please contact Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 quoting
crime number 5609.
Man attacked in Charminster
02.02.11
Detectives are appealing for witnesses and
anyone with any information to come forward after a man
was seriously assaulted during an attempted robbery in the
Charminster area.
The incident, in which a man was attacked
by three men wielding golf clubs, happened at the junction
of Stewart Road and Henville Road at around 2am on Sunday,
30 January .The victim, from the Czech Republic, sustained
a fractured jaw and lacerations to the head.
Detective Constable James Lees said: The
28-year-old victim was approached by three men who demanded
that he hand over his wallet. When he refused, the attackers
struck him to the head with golf clubs and searched his
pockets.
Nothing was stolen. The three attackers are
white, aged in their early twenties and were all wearing
hooded tops.
DC Lees continued: After the assault
the victim was treated at Poole hospital and later released.
He has since been re-admitted to hospital for further treatment.
I am appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident, and
anyone with any information about those responsible, to
contact me urgently.
Reporting ban lifted
01.02.11
The restriction on reporting certain court
details connected with the Moordown murder case has now
been lifted.
The man charged with the murder is named as
28 year old Mahmud Ibrahim Bakir of Wimborne Road. The deceased
has been named as 20 year old Kewan Khorsheed. A post mortem
determined that he had died from a single stab wound.
Bakir is also charged with violent disorder
along with three other men. They are all remanded in custody
and are due to appear at Winchester Crown Court on 7 February,
The media-gagging order was lifted following
legal represenations made by the Daily Echo.
In court over Moordown death
31.01.11
Several men have appeared in court in connection
with the Moordown murder enquiry.
Unusually, at the request of Dorset Police,
the court has imposed a media blackout on the case for the
time being. Under the Contempt of Court Act this effectively
prevents the reporting of names and details of those in
court and the nature of the charges against them. Even the
name of the deceased is covered by the order.
This type of order is normally made if it
is thought that publication might prejudice the administration
of justice.
Murder enquiry extends to Charminster
29.01.11
Detectives now believe the fatal Moordown
stabbing may be linked to an earlier incident in Charminster.
It has been revealed that police were called
to a distburbance near Bar Zuka in Charminster Road at about
1.30AM on the morning of Thursday 27 January. This was about
an hour before the dead man's body was found in Wimborne
Road.
Detective Inspector Craig Travers said: "No
complaints were made to the police officers, who remained
in the area while members of the public calmly dispersed
however, its possible that this incident may
be linked with the mans death.
"I am appealing for anyone who witnessed
either the altercation at Bar Zuka or the later incident
along Wimborne Road, which is believed to have occurred
between 2am and 2.30am, to get in touch urgently."
Murder investigation after Wimborne Road
violence
27.01.11
Police have begun a murder enquiry after a
violent incident involving several people in Wimborne Road,
Moordown.
It is believed to have happened in the early
hours of Thursday morning at an address near the junction
with Hillcrest Road. One man died of chest injuries, understood
to be the result of stabbing. Two others are being treated
for head injuries.
Five men, all from Bournemouth, and aged 20,
24, 26, 28 and 33, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
A number of these men have sustained injuries.
Cordons are in place around the address along
Wimborne Road and also at nearby Malvern Road.
Detectives are appealing for anyone who witnessed
this incident, which is believed to have occurred between
2am and 2.30am, to contact police urgently.
Safer Neighbourhood Teams are carrying out
high visibility patrols in the Moordown area to provide
reassurance to local residents.
Helicopter search over Winton
26.01.11
A helicopter was deployed and schoolchildren
were told to stay inside their school as police scoured
streets and gardens across part of Winton.
The operation was launched after an alleged
domestic incident involving an assault around midday on
Tuesday 25 January. Roads affected included Luther, Ridley,
Hawthorn and Cranmer. Teachers at St Luke's School were
asked to keep the children inside during playtime as the
search continued in nearby roads.
Police are continuing investigations. No arrest
has been made but police say that despite the scale of the
search operation there is no cause for residents to be concerned.
Burglary warning
17.01.11
Police report that in the past few days there
has been an increase in dwelling burglaries in the Winton
and Charminster area.
They are reminding residents to ensure all
doors and windows are securely locked including any outbuildings.
Should you see any suspicious activity in
the area please do not hesitate to contact Dorset Police
on 999 in an emergency or for non-emergency police matters
on 01202 22 22 22.
Burglars target students
13.1.11
Student homes have been the main target of
a spate of burglaries in the Charminster area. More than
twenty have been broken into since the beginning of December.
Intruders have got away with a haul including
laptops, games consoles, jewellery and cash.
Police are now carrying out special patrols
and advising residents to keep doors and communal entrances
locked at all times and not to let unknown people into the
building.
Bogus workman theft alert
10.01.11
Police are warning local people to be on the
alert for a thief who may try to get into their homes by
posing as a workman.
The alert follows an incident at about a quarter
past nine in the evening of Friday 7 January, when a man
knocked on the door of a house in Shelbourne Road, Charminster.
He told the elderly lady who answered the door that he was
delivering a washing machine to be flat above and needed
to check for leaks. After turning the taps on and off he
left.
A short time later the lady reaslised that
money had been stolen from her handbag. Police believe he
may have distracted the lady while an accomplice got in
and carried out the actual theft.
The man is described as white, about 30 years
of age, about 5 feet 5 inches tall, and clean shaven with
yellow teeth. He was wearing a dark coloured woollen hat.
Search for a Scout
8.1.11
The 37th Bournemouth Scouts are celebrating
50 years and trying to track down any former leaders to
find out some history of the Group.
In particular they are trying to locate John Barker who
used to be the Group Scout Leader.He used to live in Brackendale
Road and later moved to Branksome Wood Road.
They also want to hear from anyone who was
associated with the 53rd Bournemouth ( St. Walburgas Own
) Scout Group which is believed to have been based at St.
Walburgas school when it was in Yelverton Road. It appears
that the 53rd closed when the school moved to its present
location in Malvern Road and that the 37th was formed a
few years later.
Any information please to Alan King at a.r.king@ntlworld.com.
Winton wins Tidiness Award
2.01.11
Winton has won a top award for the tidiness
of its streets.
It beat more than a hundred towns. The judges
commended the pride and passion of the local community and
the effort put in to presenting Winton in the best possible
light.
The award was presented by the Keep Australia
Beautiful organisation. The winning Winton is in Queenland.
You can read about it here.
Older stories can be found
here or in the News
Archive
|