News Archive

Girl attacked near Winton Rec

13/12/07

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Woolworths Ram Raid

28/11/07

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

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

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

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

Charity swimmer

27/11/07

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

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

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

Flying Doctor

27/11/07

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

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

Burglar alert - student targets

15/11/07

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

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

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

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

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

Cleaning up the streets

15/11/07

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

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

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

New appeal in Barnett murder case

12/11/2007

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

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

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

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

Accident Black Spot

3/11/07

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

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

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

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

Graffiti Blitz - Free Removal

2 /11/07

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

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

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

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

Explosion alert

30/10/07

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

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

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

Charminster sex raid

27/10/07

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

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

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

Litter purge

17/10/07

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

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

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

Kids journey into Winton's past

15/10/07

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

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

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

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

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

Schools Survey

9/10/07

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

By 2010 schools should be providing access to:

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

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

Teenager arrested - renewed police appeal

5/10/07

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

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

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

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

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

Reward to catch racist thug

3/10/07

Bournemouth Council is offering a £200 reward for information leading to the conviction of the teenager who attacked a man in Winton Rec.

Twenty three year old Syrian-born British citizen Homam Hamdeh suffered face and eye injuries in the attack on the evening of Friday 28 September. His attacker was one of a group of around ten teenagers. The unprovoked assault was apparently racially motivated.

If you have information, call Bournemouth police on 222222.

Race attack on student in Winton Rec

1/10/07

Police are hunting a gang of teenagers involved in a vicious race attack on a student in Winton Recreation Ground.

The assault happened at around 9.15 in the evening on Friday 28 September when a 23 year old Syrian born student was walking through the park. He passed a gang of teenagers - one of whom asked him where he was from. The student in fact has British nationality and has been working as a care assistant in a local nursing home, but the attacker shouted "you're not English" and struck him in the face - possibly with a weapon. After falling to the ground dazed and bleeding from a wound around his eye, he managed to get up and run away.

Police are describing it as a completely unprovoked racial attack and are appealing for witnesses.

The attacker is described as around 17 years old, about 5ft 10ins tall. He had very short hair and was wearing a grey and white hooded top and dark jogging bottoms.

Winton in World Coffee Record Bid

17/09/07

Winton is to play its part in staging the world's biggest coffee morning.

The event is in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support - a charity that daily brings help, comfort and support to cancer sufferers and their families. You probably already know somebody who has benefitted - if so you'll know what fantastic people the Macmillan team are.

You can help them simply by turning up at the Pavillion in Winton Recreation Ground between 11 and 1 on Sunday 30 September and having a cup of coffee with friends and neighbours. All proceeds go to Macmillan.

The event is being organised by the Friends of Winton Recreation Ground.

Girl scarred in bottle attack

28/8/07

Police are appealing for witnesses after a bottle attack that may have left a teenage girl scarred for life.

A bottle was thrown at the 15 year old girl at around 11.15pm on Saturday 25 August at the junction of Charminster Road with Maxwell Road. It hit her in the face and she was taken to Poole Hospital where she underwent surgery to her lip and eyebrow.

Police say she may have suffered permanent scars.

Witnesses and anyone with information can contact Dorset Police on 222 222.

Dog attack update

24/8/07

The toddler mauled by a dog in a Winton pub is now recovering well after treatment.

Twenty month old Kira Neal's face needed more than fifty stitches after she was attacked by a terrier in the Famous Old Pines in early August.

The dog has been put down.

Charminster carnival cancelled

11/8/07

Charminster's planned international carnival has been cancelled at the last minute.

Planned to take place on the weekend of 11-12 August, it has been called it off for safety reasons. The decision was taken by a safety advisory group comprising representatives from the local authority, licensing, police and other emergency services.

The Carnival would have taken place largely in the restaurants along Charminster Road with live music and dancing and special deals on a variety of cuisine.

Charminster Road would have been shut on Sunday, August 12. The organisers say they would still like to stage the event later in the year.

Toddler mauled in Winton pub

5/8/07

A toddler is being treated for serious injuries after being savaged by a dog in a Winton pub.

The twenty two month old girl was badly mauled in the face by a terrier at the Famous Old Pines in Wimborne Road. Kira Neal was taken to Poole General Hospital for emergency treatment.

The damage to her face required more than fifty stitches.

The incident happened in the pub's beer garden on Saturday afternoon and the dog's owner was present at the time. Police removed the dog and it is being kept in police kennels. It is reportedly a Staffordshire Bull Terrier, but its breed has yet to be officially confirmed.

Police have questioned the owner and are examining the pub's CCTV footage. It is expected that an application will be made for a magistrate's order to have the dog put down.

Iron bar attack on driver

24/07/07

Police have just released details of an incident in which a motorist was attacked and badly injured while driving through Winton..

He was driving a blue Peugeot 205 down Brassey Road on Monday 9 July just before 11:30pm when a large iron bar was thrown at the car. It smashed though the passenger window and hit him in the face.

The 18 year old was subsequently taken to hospital where he was operated on for a broken jaw.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 22 22 22 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

Historic local building to be demolished?

18/07/07

There are rumours that developers are planning to demolish the area's last remaining intact cinema building.

Currently operating as the Gala Bingo Hall in Wimborne Road, the building was opened in 1936 as a state of the art cinema. Known as the Moderne, its exterior and interior were examples of classic art deco design. Capable of seating audiences of up to 1500 it also staged local talent contests that gave a break to some of Britain's top pop musicians. The Moderne was finally turned into a bingo hall in the 1960's. The nearby Ritz cinema had been closed in 1959 and the Continental at Winton Banks was demolished in 1989. Click here to go to our page featuring pictures and details of all these cinemas.

Rumours of demolition are so far officially unconfirmed - but appear to have been sparked by removal of telephone masts from the roof and a national trend of bingo hall closures because of the new smoking ban. Despite its classic design, the building is not listed.

School-run parking blitz

15/7/07

Parents could face fines and points on their licence if they park carelessly outside local schools.

Repeated parking on double yellow lines or zig zags is likely to bring a booking, a visit from the police, a fine of up to £60 and as many as three penalty points. Cars will also be checked for road tax and insurance.

Police say there is growing concern that inconsiderate parking is putting children in danger. Written warnings have already been sent to drivers who parked illegally outside at least one local school.

Accident speed spot

2/7/07

An automatic warning device is to be installed at a Winton accident black spot.

To be sited in Heron Court Road near the junction of Maxwell Road, it will flash a message to approaching motorists warning them to slow down.

There have been a number of accidents in which speeding cars have failed to navigate the junction and ended up smashing through a wall into a private garden.

Council monitoring has shown that cars sometimes reach 60mph in the short distance from Alma Road to the junction and it is hoped that the warning sign could prevent a fatal accident.

Dead Winton comic in egg controversy

20/6/07

Legendary comedian Tony Hancock is at the centre of a controversy over the re-release of TV ads that he made about about ten years before he died in the late 1960's.

The ads have been banned because they are thought to promote an unhealthy diet.

Hancock spent his earliest years in what is now Winton's Strouden Road - and probably wasn't very well nourished because he developed rickets there.

In the ads he promotes the virtues of eggs. The idea was fine in the 1950's, but nowadays the authorities say that too many eggs can give you heart disease.

Take at look at one of the controversial ads and read our page on Hancock.

Upgrade for local fire station

19/6/07

Redhill Park Fire Station has been upgraded to improve community access and facilities. Extensive changes include a major improvement in provision for female firefighters and the disabled

Redhill Park Station Manager Tim Spring said: "We are delighted with the new and improved facilities on the station. Not only will this make a huge difference to our staff but will also mean we will be able to engage even better with our local community."

He added: "The changes made at the station demonstrate our commitment to strategic aims of improving community safety by risk reduction, responding effectively to emergencies and finally, being well managed and modern."

There is a new educational room, which will be used to inform local community groups visiting the station about road safety and the dangers of fire.

Police to get third eye

16/6/07

Police in Winton could soon be using tiny cameras – commonly known as ‘headcams’ – to monitor anti-social behaviour.

The cameras, which can be operated by Police Officers and Police Community Support Officers, are designed to be worn under uniform headgear with a small camera lens visible over the left ear.

Police tests elsewhere in the country showed that not only did the cameras assist in capturing evidence of anti-social behaviour but individuals also moderated their behaviour once they realised they were being recorded.

Bournemouth Police CCTV Co-ordinator Martyn Webster says,“Headcams are a recent technological innovation. They produce an excellent picture and audio quality that is good enough to be used in court proceedings. Recording will only start when officers are summoned to, or become aware of an incident and the wearer will inform anyone being spoken to of the fact that they are being recorded."

Good Citizen Awards

9/6/07

Do you know somebody who deserves to be recognised for their contribution to the community? Nominations are now open for three Bournemouth public service awards.

The Citizen of the Year Award goes to a resident who has made a significant contribution to the residents of Bournemouth above and beyond the call of duty or achieved business success and/or has overcome personal difficulties.

The Voluntary Service Award is for showing outstanding commitment to volunteering or promoting volunteering across the Borough.

The Equality and Diversity Award is given to somebody who has personally made a significant difference in equality and diversity e.g. by supporting people facing diversity issues, raising awareness for the need for more culturally aware facilities that led to change, campaigned for adaption works to enable more access for people with disabilities, helped a local ethnic minority community group to improve a local issue.

Winners will receive a donation to a charity of their choice and a prize at a ceremony in September.

You can request a nomination form from the Town Hall (tel: 436887) or download one from the council website.

Drug deaths

7/06/07

A Winton man is one of four who died earlier this month in what is thought to be a string of drug related deaths.

The other fatalities occurred in Boscombe and Littledown. Police believe a rogue batch of contaminated heroin may have been the cause.

Five men and one woman were arrested in connection with two of the deaths, three have been released on police bail while enquiries continue, the others were released without charge.

Police are advising drug users to contact the Park Lodge Harm Reduction Service on 395768 or EDAS on 311600.

Better bus service for Winton

5/6/07

A series of Yellow Bus timetable changes will mean better services for Winton.

Due to start on 22 July, the new timetable will improve the frequency of the 5a/b from Bournemouth to Ensbury Park from every seven and a half minutes to every six minutes. The service linking Castle point with Charminster and Bournemouth is being extended to Westbourne with buses arriving every ten minutes – instead of the current fifteen.

Although Winton is set to benefit, there will be cuts on less used routes in other parts of Bournemouth. Latest details on the Yellow Bus site.

Winton gripped by UFO scare

26/5/07

The cause of a UFO panic over Winton has now been revealed.

People gathered in the streets on Thursday night as small groups of coloured lights bobbed, skimmed and zoomed above the Winton skyline. Some people managed to capture them with video and digital cameras.

Investigations have revealed that it was not the first wave of an alien invasion. The UFOs were in fact chinese-style flying lanterns released from Bingham Road by art students as part of their graduation festivities.

The sky-lanterns are a little more than a metre high and have small burning lamps at their base which cause to to work like mini hot air balloons. The way they were released made them appear to be flying in formation.

Winton Summer Day Out

18/5/07

Get set for a traditional Winton summer day out! St Luke's Church is staging its annual Summer Fayre on June 9 at the church in Wimborne Road..

The Mayor opens the event at 11AM. There will be live music plus bonniest baby competition, beer tent, BBQ, stalls, lots of fun & different games, bouncy castle, refreshments & plenty more besides.

There is even a best dressed Nun competition - and you don't have to be female to enter. In fact, we are told there is a better chance of winning if you are not.

Bogus water board workers

15/5/07

Detectives are appealing for information after two bogus water board officials made a failed attempt to rob a house in Winton.

At about 9.20pm on Saturday evening 12 May 2007, the two men went to a house in Brassey Road. One man tricked his way past the elderly couple who lived there, but left empty handed. His accomplice remained outside.

Detective Constable Paul Williams, of Bournemouth CID, said: “There’s no doubt in my mind that these two men were looking to steal from the house and they only left when the opportunity never presented itself."

“Men like these, who prey on the elderly and most vulnerable members of our society are despicable and cowardly and they must be stopped at all costs.”

Both men are white. One is about 50 years old, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and spoke with an Irish accent. He was wearing a dark brown jacket and blue jeans.

The second man, who stayed outside the house, is younger and taller than the first man.

Winton goes blue

3/5/07

A tidal wave of local and national change has swept the Tories to power in Bournemouth.

As a result of the May 3 elections they now hold 41 of the 54 borough council seats - effectively reversing the overall majority previously held by the Liberal Democrats who are now reduced to just seven seats. The turnout for the election was 34.35 per cent.

In tune with the borough vote, all of Winton's Liberal Democrat councillors have been replaced with Conservatives.

Winton East's new Conservative representatives are Sue Cowley, Dr Nigel Cowley and Paul Hughes.

In Wallisdown and Winton West the new faces are Rod Cooper, Elaine Cooper and Nicola Greene.

For full details see here.

Reward to help catch gunman

30/4/07

A £500 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of a gunman who shot and wounded a man in North Bournemouth.

The 23 year old victim was shot in the left arm at about 8.20pm on Monday evening 16 April 2007 in Long Road, Kinson.

Shortly after the shooting, armed police raided several addresses in the town. A number of people were arrested, but no one has been charged.

Police remain convinced that there are witnesses who so far have chosen not to say anything. They remain committed to continuing the investigation until an arrest is made.

Indecent assault in Talbot Woods

16/04/07

Detectives are appealing for information after a woman was indecently assaulted while walking in Talbot Woods.

The incident happened on the evening of Saturday 14 April 2007 as the 48 year old Wallisdown woman walked along Alyth Road. A cyclist got off his bicycle, grabbed the woman and made a sexual comment.

The man is described as white, aged in his late 40s to early 50s, about five feet five inches tall and of slim wiry build. He had short dark hair. The bicycle is described as of a standard type with white colours on it.

Anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 222 222 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 .

Veteran Winton councillor retires

6/4/07

Liberal Democrat Councillor Jean Moore has decided not to stand in the May elections. After twenty six years as an elected representative she thinks its time for a rest and an opportunity to spend more time with her grandchildren.

Jean was born in Bournemouth and educated at local schools. She was first elected to Local Government in 1981 when she became the Dorset County Council member for Moordown. She held that position until 1997 when Bournemouth became a Unitary Authority.

Elected to Bournemouth Council in May 1983, she initially served the people of Moordown and following boundary changes, represented Winton East.

Since 2003 she was a Cabinet member on the Council with responsibility for Community and Culture. This included Crime and Disorder, Trading Standards, Arts and Libraries, and Adult Services. Jean has been a member of the Police Authority for the past seven years and was instrumental in the creation of the Winton Forum.

"It has been a privilege and an honour to represent you during this time," says Jean. "I have met many wonderful people and made many friends. The climax to my term of office was to have been chosen to be your Mayor. I have a lot of happy memories, and I believe helped to take Bournemouth well into the 21st Century I hope that you will continue to support your Liberal Democrat Team, who will put Winton first and foremost."

Winton gets the once over

3/4/07

Bournemouth Council's new Environment and Economic boss has been taking a personal look at Winton.

Tony Williams spent an afternoon on walkabout to get the feel of the place. His verdict was that it is a compact and convenient shopping area with lots to offer. But he felt it needs more focus points and continuing work to enhance its identity.

He praised the role of groups like the Winton Community Forum in helping to create a distinctive Winton character.

One of the area's problems is graffitti and in the course of the tour he happened to bump into a team busily eradicating it. In the picture he is flanked by cleansing specialist Roger Fish (right) and supervisor Chris Partridge (left).

Petition against pub plans

23/03/07

More than two hundred local people have signed a petition opposing plans to create a new pub in Winton.

Witherspoons want to convert the current G and T shop at 433 Wimborne Road to a public house and bar in the ground floor of the building

Residents are expressing concern about noise, traffic and antisocial behaviour that could be associated with the project. They also believe that Winton does not need another pub.

Opposition is being co-ordinated by G and T's manager Dave Hull. He can be contacted at geeantee@btconnect.com

Electronic ASBO for Winton

20/03/07

Winton is to give a test run to a high-tech answer to antisocial behaviour.

The electronic device emits an annoying sound that can only he heard by teenagers. It will be installed on the pavilion at Winton Recreation Ground. The building was chosen because it has been the scene of criminal damage, graffiti and other antisocial behaviour.

The installation will be monitored by Dorset police and is the result of an initiative by local councillor Anson Westbrook.

"The sound of the "teen-deterrent" is inaudible to older people and does not upset animals," says inventor Howard Stapleton. "But it has a very high success rate in driving off groups of teenagers".

The device has a range of around fifteen metres. Stapleton says it is very quiet, even to those who can hear it, and is no threat to hearing or general health.

The three month pilot run begins in April.

Disability Champion

20/03/07

A Winton councillor has been chosen as the official champion of Bournemouth's disabled people.

Former Mayor Emily Morrell-Cross trained as a State Enrolled Nurse and for many years has cared for people with mental disabilities.

She has pledged to do everything she can to help people with both physical and mental problems. "I can't promise the earth," she says. "But I promise to give it my one hundred per cent best shot to get things sorted."

Disability issues can be raised with her directly by phone on 771188.

Italian music gets a thumbs-down

20/03/07

Barolo's Wimborne Road restaurant has had an extension to its music licence rejected.

The Italian restaurant currently has live music on Thursdays and wanted to extend its licence from noon to midnight seven days a week. Councillors rejected the application after hearing submissions from residents who did not want late night Italian love songs - no matter how well delivered.

The choral efforts of waiters singing "Happy Birthday" had not gone unnoticed - but that tradition is likely to continue.

Residents acknowledged the restaurant's right to trade and believe continuation of the status quo is a suitable compromise.

A welcome first for Winton

15/03/07

Winton is offering a visible welcome to visitors for the first time in its history.

Two official welcome signs have been placed on Wimborne Road. One is opposite St Luke's Church and the other is opposite St John's.

The dignified green signs are almost identical to the ones on the outskirts of Bournemouth. They appear as a result of lobbying by local councillor Anson Westbrook and have been paid for from his ward funds.

"I had the idea a couple of years ago," says Cllr Westbrook. "It's all part of creating a sense of community and pride in the place where we live. I'd like to thank the Borough Highways Department for implementing the scheme. It really does put Winton on the map".

Police search Winton Rec

12/03/07

Police have been searching Winton Recreation Ground and the surrounding area for a vulnerable 12 year old boy who has gone missing from his home in Boscombe.

Twelve year old Brian William Gray was reported missing from his home in Harewood Gardens, close to the main Tesco's supermarket in Boscombe, on Saturday 10 March, 2007.

Brian is described as white, five feet five inches tall, of stocky build and with dark brown hair. The boy has green or blue eyes and speaks with a softly spoken English accent.

When he went missing, Brian was wearing a short sleeved navy blue T-shirt or polo shirt, dark blue baggy jeans and a denim jacket with grey cotton sweatshirt-type sleeves and a hood with gold coloured buttons. He was wearing pair of navy blue lace-up canvas pumps with white rubber trim.

It is thought that Brian has with him his large royal blue blue BMX bicycle which has black writing on it. Brian had a small quantity of cash on him in a black purse when he went missing.

Brian's description has been circulated among taxi companies in Bournemouth as well as operator's of the borough council's closed circuit television (CCTV) system.

The Maxwell Road and Winton Rec areas are known to be among his favourite haunts.

Missing Man

10/03/07

Police for help in finding 37 year old Mark Goddard who’s whereabouts are unknown and who was last seen in Bournemouth town centre.

Mark - who is currently of no fixed address - normally frequents the West Howe area of Bournemouth and his mother is now concerned for his welfare and she believes he can’t take proper care of himself. She reported him missing on 4 March 2007.

Mark used to work at Burger King in Commercial Road, Bournemouth, and he was last seen there on Thursday 1 March 2007. He left the restaurant wearing his Burger King uniform.

Mark’s mother is very concerned for her son - he’s vulnerable as he hasn’t been taking his prescribed medication for a long while.

Mark Goddard is white, six feet two inches tall, of slim build with short brown hair and a softly spoken voice. He wears glasses and when he left Burger King he was wearing an oversized blue and grey Puffa jacket.

Covert crime crack down

9/03/07

Plans have been revealed for new measures to crack down on crime in Winton.

Police are to use hidden CCTV cameras in a bid to catch people responsible for graffiti and theft.

The March meeting of the Winton Community Forum was told that it had been decided to use covert methods as the best means of gathering evidence. The aim was to catch as much as to deter.

The plan is the result of discussions between police, local traders, the Winton Community Forum, the Borough Council and local councillor Anson Westbrook. It is one of a number of strategies in operation or under consideration. Among them is a unique high-tech solution to antisocial behaviour likely to be tested in the near future.