Young Winton takes a fresh look at Spring

20/03/09

Students are working with Winton school kids to give a fresh meaning to Spring.

Under the guidance of two Arts Institute students, pupils at St Lukes, St Johns and Kinson Primary School are involved in a creative project that depicts the celebration of Spring from the viewpoints of English Folklore and the Chinese and Aztec cultures.

The 5th and 6th years will be creating a variety of objects including totem poles, mosaics, origami, rock paintings, poems, masks and traditional lanterns.

The project will culminate in a large interactive display in Bournemouth's Lower Gardens on 4 April .

Arts Institute students Caitlin Avery and Florence Foster, as project managers, hope to counter the fears of a recent Cambridge University report that claims primary education is too narrow and neglecting creative learning activities.

Going Aztec at St Lukes Primary School

Bingo Church Switch

14/03/09

The former Gala bingo hall is set to be offically christened as a church this Sunday.

Volunteers from the Bournemouth Community Church have been stripping out the last traces of the bingo hall to prepare it for an inaugral service as a place of worship

The church is reported to have paid £1,000,000 for the building and intends to convert it into a theatre/cinema and community centre. It is not known how much of the original Art Deco architecture will survive the transformation. The building is not listed.

The Church is funding the purchase from donations and the sale of property it already owns.

Winton escapes wildfires

11/2/09

Our Australian cousins at Winton in Victoria have escaped the catastrophic bushfires sweeping across the region - but by a fairly close margin.

The nearest wildfire reported so far was at Stewarton about twenty miles west of Winton. Three vehicles were destroyed, but nobody was injured.

The bulk of the fires are more than fifty miles to the south of Winton. More than one hundred and eighty people have died.

The fires come as Victoria suffers its worst heat wave for many years. The temperature in Melbourne on Saturday when the bush fires were at their peak was 46 degrees - the highest since 1939.

For more about Winton, Victoria - and all the other Wintons - click here.

Drug flat sealed up

16/1/09

A Closure Order has been enforced at a flat on Columbia Road after police found Class A drugs there.

A 39-year-old man was arrested in connection with the discovery.

Bournemouth Magistrates Court issued the closure order under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act 2003. The property has been sealed off and anybody found inside within three months of the enforcement will be committing an offence and liable to prosecution.

This legislation gives police powers to close properties that have been used in connection with the unlawful use of, production and supply of Class A drugs, and are associated with the occurrence of anti-social behaviour.

The application for the closure order was supported by Bournemouth Borough Council and Councillor David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community, said: “We would urge any residents who have suspicions that drug activity may be going on in properties near them, to report their suspicions to Dorset Police so that the appropriate action can be taken.”

Winton Flood Focus

14/1/09

Bournemouth Borough Council is taking a close look at Winton's flooding problems.

The investigation is part of a general review of the drainage system's ability to cope with ever increasing rainfall. On the 12th September last year, 3inches of rain fell in just two hours. It was classed as a "once in 100 year event" but similar downfalls are becoming more common.

Various commercial premises in Wimborne Road were affected including Ethel Austin where the flood waters went right through the shop, KFC, G&T, the Parkstone and Heatherlands pub, and A’court's hair salon.

Winton Woolworths closes

29/12/08

The Winton branch of Woolworths has become one of the first to close after the company's collapse.

After a short closing-down sale it It was among the initial batch of 200 stores that were shut on 27 December.

On the morning of the 29th the interior was already virtually stripped.

Workemen were removing internal fittings and loading the store's shopping baskets into a small truck.

It is believed around twenty staff have lost their jobs as a result of the closure.

Student Action Plan

6/12/08

A communal action plan has been drawn up to tackle the negative effects of the student presence in Winton.

The plan follows a private meeting of representatives of the University, Arts Institute, Students Union, Police, Borough Environmental Health Services and Winton Community Forum.

Key elements include a decision for police and Borough Council officials to pinpoint houses and roads with recurrent nuisance problems, and the possibility of a Police officer being allocated to the University and Arts Institute.

The Arts Institute does not currently have an up to date list of student accommodation, and is to draw one up. Estate and letting agents are also to be approached.

Winton Forum chair Anson Westbrook described the meeting as a positive response to the ongoing Forum initiative. He re-emphasised that it is only a small minority of students who have caused problems for their neighbours, but hoped that determined action would result in a better Winton for everybody. The Forum intends to monitor action being taken on problem houses.

Winton Rec bus attack

1/12/08

Police are appealing for witnesses after a vandal attack on a bus driving past Winton Rec.

Two windows in the Number 24 Yellow Bus were smashed as it drove across the junction of Heron Court, Abbot and Maxwell Roads. The incident happened at about 6PM on Saturday 29 November.

Objects had been thrown from the corner of Winton Rec, but neither driver nor passengers saw who threw them. Nobody was injured but the bus company warns that they will use the full force of the law against anybody throwing objects at their vehicles.

Police want to hear from anyone who was passing Winton recreation ground who may have seen or heard anything, or knows who was responsible.

If you have information call 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Charminster murder investigation

30/11/08

A woman has been arrested after an elderly couple were found battered to death in their home in North Charminster

Pensioner Arthur Toop and his wife Joan both suffered multiple injuries after apparently being attacked in their bungalow in Uplands Road.

Their 52 year old daughter Susan was also found badly injured in the property when emergency services arrived there on Friday evening. She is believed to have been living with her parents.

She was arrested and taken to Poole General Hospital where she is being treated under police guard. Police say they are not looking for anybody else in connection with the deaths.

Joint effort to solve student problem

19/11/08

Key local agencies have pledged to work together to tackle the problems caused by students in Winton.

A packed public meeting on 19 November heard repeated complaints that included noise from late night parties, antisocial behaviour, shortage of parking space and poor waste disposal from student houses.

It was emphasised that only a small minority of students are responsible for much of the annoyance.

Organised by Winton Community Forum, the meeting exceeded expectations. Seating ran out in the YMCA main hall and it was standing room only for latecomers.

Residents heard from official representatives of the Students Union, the University, the police and the Borough Council. Deputy Council leader John Beesley admitted it could take time to solve the problems, but promised to work with all parties to find a solution.

Among the speakers was a local private landlord who called for more responsibility from landlords and estate agents. He also thought that the rent guarantor status of many parents could act as a means of pressurising unruly students.

Students Union Vice-President Adelaide Allen conceded that there were genuine problems and called for joint action to tackle them.

Residents were told that apart from calling the police, they should always call the Council 24 hour Emergency Service if they were affected by a late night disturbance. The phone number is 451145.

Winton Forum Chairman Anson Westbrook said he was delighted that the Forum had managed to bring the various parties together to recognise the problem in public - and to promise to work together to solve it for the community.

The University has just issued an invitation to residents for a pre-Christmas "getting to know you" event. Full details on our Community Notice Board.

Student murder - two charged

15/11/2008

Two men have been charged and appeared in court accused of murdering 20-year-old Bournemouth University student Luke Campbell.

Larbi Mohamed, 20, of Westmorland Road, Southwark, and 21-year-old Saeed Alkadir, of Kellett Road, Lambeth, are charged that, together with a person unknown, they murdered Luke on November 7.

Luke's body was found in the garden of a house at the corner of St Clements and Cleveland Road, Boscombe. He had been stabbed to death.

Winton musician releases album

13/11/2008

A Winton-born musician has just released her first compilation album and is selling it over the internet.

Lin Gardiner used to live in Norton Road and was at Bournemouth School for Girls before studying music at Liverpool University.

She played keyboards with various bands including Dawn Patrol and Single Out before becoming a studio engineer for Mike Stock and Matt Aitken of Stock, Aitken and Waterman.

She emigrated to Canada in 2002 where she set up her own label "Boomsmack Records". Releases include a number of her own songs. The newly released first compilation album "The Earth Tremors Beneath our Feet" showcases a number of artists.

Murder appeal

11/11/2008

Police are appealing to the student community for information that could lead them to the killer of 20 year old Luke Campbell.

The Bournemouth University first year software design student was stabbed to death in Boscombe at the weekend. His body was found in the garden of a house at the corner of St Clements and Cleveland Road on Saturday morning.

Luke's distinctive green Apollo Awesome BMX bike was initially missing but has now been found in Boscombe. Detectives want to hear from anybody who thinks they may have seen it in the last couple of days.

Police stress that any piece of information about Luke could be significant. They can be contacted on 222222 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Scam alert

21/10/08

A warning has been issued about a seasonal scam that relies on confusion over parcels sent in the post.

A card is posted through your door from a company called PDS (Parcel Delivery Service) suggesting that they were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them by phone.

DO NOT call this number - it is a premium rate number and this is a mail scam originating from Belize.

If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you may already have been billed.

If you do receive a card with these details, then please contact Royal Mail Fraud on 02072396655 or ICSTIS (the premium rate service regulator) at  www.icstis.org.uk .

Students and Residents

16/10/08

Following a torrent of complaints about student behaviour, the Borough council is now issuing a special information pack.

Aimed principally at students, but also applicable to more permanent residents, it outlines general rights and responsibilities.

A printed version is expected to be distributed throughout Winton. You can download a copy here.

To air your own views to representatives from the University, Students Union and Borough council, come to the next Forum Public Meeting at the YMCA at 7PM, Wednesday 19 November.

Winton in Bloom

15/10/08

Winton produced a number of winners and runners up in the finals of the 2008 Bournemouth in Bloom competition.

Awards were handed out earlier this week at a Presentation Evening at the Pavilion.

Linwood Youth Centre won the Youth clubs/community centres category. Mrs H Bennet of Edgehill Road produced the second best sustainable garden for birds. The Fiveways came second in the Pubs and Inns category. Baraca in Charminster Road came second in the Restaurants category. Richmond Park Bowling Club was runner up in the outdoor bowling club greens section and Malvern Day Centre won the Day Centres category.

Post Office to close

24/09/08

The Post Office has decided to ignore local protest and go ahead with plans to close its branch at the Charminster Road Co-Op.

It says main concerns expressed by respondents related to the adequacy of the parking facilities and access for disabled people at the alternative branches and concern that elderly people, many of whom live in sheltered housing nearby, might find it difficult to access the alternative branches. Respondents praised the branch for its convenient location, friendly staff and useful attachment to a Co-op store.

The Post Office says it is satisfied that elderly and disabled people will have no problem in getting to the alternatives in Winton and Charminster, and that the two branches are adequate to cope with demand.

Surprisingly, the appendix to the decision document still refers to the branch as being in the Alldays Store. As repeatedly pointed out in the campaign, this ceased to be the case several years ago and may cast doubts on the care with which the closure decision was taken.

A vigorous campaign was mounted by local residents with the active support of the Winton Community Forum, the Queens Park and Charminster Community forum and some of the local councillors.

It is now up to the Post Mistress to decide whether the branch closes at the end of October or in the New Year.

Youth Centre in Question

23/09/08

Discussions are underway over the future of the Linwood Youth Centre.

The club caters for young people with special needs and offers excellent music, arts and sport facilities. It promotes involvement in the Special Olympics and is the only one of its kind in the area.

Talks are centering on a possible move if neighbouring Linwood School takes over the building. Alternative sites so fair mentioned include Muscliffe, Littledown and Winton Methodist Church.

Sources within the council are denying allegations that the club is to be axed as a cost cutting measure. A possible closure date in December is also being dismissed.

Outstanding OFSTED for Special School

22/09/08

Linwood School has one again been judged outstanding by government inspectors.

The effectiveness and efficiency of the Alma Road school, which teaches pupils with learning difficulties, was marked ‘outstanding’ in all respects. It received a similar accolade at the last OFSTED inspection three years ago.

The report is particularly complimentary about the teaching and learning which it views as ‘extremely good’ and praises the learners ‘excellent progress.’ Throughout the report the school’s commitment to personal and social education is emphasised and praised. ‘Pupils make outstanding progress in their personal development and leave school as sensible young adults very well prepared for life in society’ The key to this was judged to be ‘the consistent approach of all staff in developing warm and supportive relationships with the pupils.’

Suspect drugs haul

10/09/08

Tests are being conducted on a large quantity of substances found at a house in Brassey Road. Police say they believe they are controlled drugs.

The substances were discovered after police were called on Sunday evening to investigate damage to a window and wall at the property.

Two men and a woman were arrested and subsequently released on police bail.

Gala deal confirmed

26/08/08

After a temporary stall in negotiations, Bournemouth Community Church has now signed a deal to buy the former Gala bingo hall.

The church is planning a nine month modernisation and refurbishment project which they say would retain the basic character and integrity of the 1930's art deco cinema. Work could start in October.

The project will be financed by sale of their existing church and LIFEhouse and a fund raising drive launched by a gift week in September.

When completed, the building will include a state of the art community, conference, youth and drop in centre. BCC are in negotiation with the borough council about locating a Children's Centre from the complex as well.

The church welcomes any ideas for the use and internal design of the building. Apart from being its new home it wants the building to be seen as a partnership with the community of Winton and Moordown that will benefit everyone with concerts, drama, films, community events, conferences, youth clubs, seniors clubs, pre-school clubs and coffee bar.

Fence attack

22/08/08

Police are appealing for information after a vandal attack on a fence surrounding a Winton block of flats.

A man was spotted pulling down and damaging a newly erected 12 metre long fence in Heron Court Road, near the junction with Alington Road. An adjoining brick garden wall was also damaged.

The incident happened arund 2.45AM in the early hours of Friday 15 August. The cost of repairing the damage is estimated at more than £1000.

The man is described as white, in his mid twenties, 1.78 to 1.8 metres tall and of stocky build with short brown hair and a rounded face. He was wearing a white T shirt and blue jeans.

Stokewood asbestos alert

9/08/08

Stokewood Leisure Centre's third of a million pound refurbishment has been delayed after the discovery of asbestos in the building's structure.

The Council says that there is no risk to staff or centre users, but a licence has to be obtained for removal and the work must be undertaken by a specialist contractor.

The refurbishment includes the construction of an extension to the gym and a new exercise studio in the basement where the asbestos was discovered.

The Centre is now expected to open next January. Members are being offered use of the Littledown Centre.

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.

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:

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.

Older stories can be found in the News Archive