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Working Together to Tackle Economic Slowdown
Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council have reached agreement on a strategy to support local businesses during the economic slowdown.
That strategy includes the following actions:
+ A commitment to prompt payment of invoices to local businesses
+ Work to improve the availability of information on procurement opportunities including a series of events for local businesses
+ Work with Business Link and Dormen as part of a campaign to raise awareness of advisory and mentoring services and the development of a single online source of information for businesses
+ Bidding for funds for major public sector building projects - Borough of Poole has already lodged an application for resources to support work to start on the Twin Sails Bridge, and other bids will follow including Bournemouth's Town Centre Master Vision
+ Supporting the work of the sub–regional multi-area agreement to develop skills, promote innovation and enterprise, improve transport and affordable housing infrastructure and support greater energy efficiency within businesses
Working with the Dorset and Bournemouth chambers of commerce to develop new approaches to helping businesses
Both councils have pledged to work with other public agencies including Jobcentre Plus, Learning & Skills Council, the South West Regional Development Agency and Business Link to establish an area action force to support people facing redundancy.
Councillor Brian Leverett, Leader of Borough of Poole, said: “This agreement builds on already close partnership working between the two councils on economic development. I am delighted that we have been able to quickly agree on further action to help the area to realise its economic potential.
Councillor Stephen MacLoughlin, Leader of Bournemouth Borough Council, said: “It is important that we make it easy for businesses across the conurbation to obtain the help that they need by removing as many barriers as possible; I am pleased that we have been able to reach swift agreement with our partners to help achieve this objective.”
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SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF POOLE LAUNCH THEIR ‘PURPLE TEARDROP CAMPAIGN AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING’
Robert Syms MP, Annette Brooke MP, & Cllr Joyce Lavender, the Mayor of Poole, were among the audience of local dignitaries when Soroptimist International of Poole launched their ‘Purple Teardrop Campaign’ against human trafficking at Upton House.
The ‘Purple Teardrop’ is a two tone purple teardrop shaped pin badge. The purpose of the campaign is to raise funds from the sales of pins which will go towards raising public awareness of trafficked victims and to support the network of safe houses for victims including one in Southern England.
Guest speakers at the launch event were Carol Freeman, CHASTE (Churches Against Sex Trafficking in Europe), Sister Ann Teresa, the Medaille Trust, & DI Guy Shimmons, Pentameter 2, Dorset Police who gave an overview of the global, national and local facts of human trafficking and how they impact on the victim’s country of origin and destination. Statistics show that 80% of trafficking victims are female, and 50% of those are children contributing to a $32 billion annual industry. Victims are lured to come to richer countries, tempted by promises of well-paid jobs. They often find themselves in prostitution or slave-like working conditions. They do not know the language, they often do not even know which country they are in; they are degraded, bought and sold as a commodity without dignity or value. The scale and complexity of trafficking organisations makes it very difficult to track victims and the money involved in their trafficking.
The ‘Purple Teardrop’ campaign includes raising awareness amongst users of the sex trade and how they are unwittingly contributing to this illegal trade. Posters to be distributed to local businesses and organisations include a Crimestoppers hotline where callers who suspect they have been with a trafficked woman will be guaranteed anonymity.
There appear to be specific trafficking hotspots in both Bournemouth and Weymouth which could become a catalyst for an increase in trafficking problems as we near 2012. Poole Soroptimists intend to prevent this happening with their campaign.
If you think that you would like to help our campaign please e-mail enquiries@sipoole.org.uk
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LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES - LEARNING FROM SYDNEY EXPERIENCE
Dorset-based firms should raise their game to take advantage of millions of pounds worth of business opportunities that will come from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
That’s the message from Mick Aitken, a business consultant who has advised UK regions on the impact of the Games and who saw for himself how the Sydney Olympics of 2000 boosted the economy of the Australian state of Queensland.
Mr Aitken, who worked with the British Olympic Association ahead of the Sydney Games and who set up and managed Team GB’s training camps in Queensland – hundreds of miles from Sydney – believes South West businesses can reap the rewards offered by the London 2012 Games.
Mr Aitken, a former chief executive of Queensland Events, knows first-hand how a region located some distance from the Olympic host city can benefit.
“Before the Sydney Games started the Queensland Government estimated that it could capture Games-related business contracts worth around 50 million Australian dollars,” he said.
“They revised that upwards eight times. In the end Queensland companies secured more than $400m of contracts – more than eight times the original estimate. The Games had a huge impact.
“Tourism, business and culture all benefited. For businesses in Queensland, the Games gave them a chance to compete for some sizeable contracts.
“The same will happen with the London 2012 Games. There will be plenty of opportunities. But businesses must see it like the athletes, as their chance to perform on the biggest stage in the world.
“They’ve got to be prepared to be judged against the highest standards and come out as winners.”
Mr Aitken said businesses should tap into the spirit of the Games. “It’s a great way for businesses to test themselves against the best. Queensland has come on leaps and bounds since 2000 because it really gave businesses the chance to raise their game.
“These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. If businesses miss out they will regret it forever. The 2012 Games are about being the best that you can be. The lesson for business is the same as for the competitors and for everyone involved in the Games – whatever you put in you get out much more.”
The benefits for businesses will not be just a boost to the bottom line, he said. They can also get their staff involved as volunteers and by playing hosts to sportsmen and women from around the world. In these ways they will share in the pride and passion of the London 2012 Games.
He praised the South West for being one of the first UK regions to pick up how important the 2012 Games will be to the whole country, not just London.
The region boasts world-class training facilities at Bath University, whilst Bristol has already agreed to host the Kenyan team ahead of 2012. Dorset especially will have a head-start in the 2012 Olympic opportunity as nearby Weymouth will be hosting the world renowned sailing competition.
The starting point for businesses is to visit www.london2012.com/business and register with CompeteFor, the online matching service for Games-related opportunities.
Business Link is providing a strong, well resourced service, providing free information and advice for local businesses preparing for, bidding and delivering London 2012 contracts. For more information contact Business Link on 0845 600 9966 or visit www.businesslinksw.co.uk.
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Jamie Oliver chefs get vote of confidence at Aruba
More than 200 guests and MP’s descended on Bournemouth’s beach front restaurant, Aruba, to feast on the regions best food and drink offerings skillfully prepared by apprentice chefs from the Jamie Oliver inspired restaurant Fifteen Cornwall.
The unique event was hosted by the South West of England’s Regional Development Agency (RDA). Taking place during the Liberal Democrat party conference, the evening was used to showcase the availability of fresh, high quality, seasonal produce from across the South West, whilst highlighting the RDA’s plans for the development of sustainable economic growth.
Guest speaker, Jonathon Porritt - the eminent environmental writer and broadcaster - delivered an inspirational speech as delegates sipped locally sourced drinks freshly prepared by the Aruba team including Dorset apple martini’s, Camel Valley wine from Bodmin, Cider by Rosie from Winterborne Houghton, Doom Bar beer from Rock and Luscombe organic juices from Devon.
Fifteen Cornwall’s apprentice chefs proved to be the main attraction as they served a selection of breads baked by the restaurant, and local dressed vegetables, cheeses and meats. Launched by Jamie Oliver in May 2006, Fifteen Cornwall provides local disadvantaged young people with the opportunity to turn their lives around by training them to become world-class chefs.
Juliet Williams, the South West RDA Chairman, explained why the agency selected Aruba to host such a unique and important event:
“We had such a great experience here last year we decided Aruba would once again be an ideal venue to announce our plans for delivering economic growth within environmental limits across the region.”
Andy Price, managing director of Aruba, adds: “We were extremely honoured to be chosen as the venue for the South West RDA’s reception for a second year running. The event provided a forum for Liberal Democrat delegates to learn about and discuss the issues, opportunities and challenges of facilitating economic growth whilst minimising the impact on the environment. The opportunity to work in conjunction with Fifteen Cornwall was once again a great experience, which resulted in many of the delegates acknowledging the evening as one of the highlights of the conference.”
For more details and information about Aruba please visit www.aruba-bournemouth.co.uk . For reservations call 01202 554211.
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Baden-Powell Sculpture Unveiled
A life size sculpture of Lord Baden-Powell was unveiled on Wednesday 13 August to celebrate Poole’s scouting connections.
Following a brief written by Borough of Poole’s Arts Development Unit in partnership with the Poole District Scout Council, artist David Annand was commissioned to sculpt the bronze figure.
Sited near to where ferries depart to Brownsea Island, the sculpture captures Baden-Powell in a seated position as though involved in a typical activity around the camp fire and looks out to where it all began – Brownsea Island.
The Town Crier, David Squires, began the ceremony before speeches by Brian Woolgar, Chair Poole District Scout Council, and the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, James Gibson Fleming.
A dedication was made by Revd. Christopher Strain the District Scout Chaplain before the Mayor, Cllr Joyce Lavender, accepted the sculpture from Poole Scouts on behalf of Borough of Poole.
David Annand, Sculptor, said: “It has been a great honour and a privilege to be involved in this project. I am delighted I was able to bring Baden-Powell to life in a place where he helped create so many happy memories. I hope Scouts from past, present and future generations will enjoy the sculpture for many years to come.”
Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Borough of Poole, said: “We thank the Scout Movement for this magnificent gift which celebrates an important and historic relationship between us. We are very fortunate to have this wonderful piece of art in Poole. The prime position it occupies on the Quay further enhances an already vibrant area and complements other public artwork along the quayside.”
Brian Woolgar, Chair Poole District Scout Council, said: “This is a wonderful end to over three years of hard work by a great number of people. I thank each of them for their part and their invaluable support in creating a lasting tribute to the man who founded the Scout Movement and worked tirelessly to promote honour, duty, friendship and peace.”
It is anticipated that the artwork will attract widespread attention from members of the worldwide Scout Movement, the local community and tourists and has been designed to allow easy access for photo opportunities.
The sculpture forms part of a growing public art collection in Poole, including a number of other works along the Quay: Anthony Caro’s ‘Sea Music’, Simon Watkinson’s ‘Parallel Plotter’ and the Sea Defence Wall carvings – ‘Memory and Tidelines’ by Simon Read.
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Councillors Oppose Planned Post Office Closures
Borough of Poole is offering advice for those wishing to object to the proposed closure of three Poole post offices.
At a Council meeting on Tuesday 22 July a motion was passed urging the Post Office to reconsider their decision to close three branches in the area - Park Gates, Penn Hill Avenue and Sandbanks.
The decision approved at full Council is as follows: “This Council deplores the action of the Post Office in proposing the closure of a further three branches in areas of Poole where there are a very large number of elderly residents, the terrain is hilly in parts and has a sparse bus service. We call upon the Post Office to reconsider the closures and to work with this Council to ensure an adequate provision of branches to maintain what is a basic essential community service throughout the Borough”.
Following the meeting, a letter was sent to the Post Office expressing concerns about the effect closures will have on the community, requesting they work with the Council to continue these services.
A document advising the community on how to object to a closure is on display at post offices affected around the borough. Those unhappy about the proposed closures should write to Post Watch and the Post Office with their views.
Objections should include concerns around specific and practical issues, such as:
Access to public transport
Parking and road difficulties
The key services that will be lost to individuals
Hills and difficult terrain
The ability of the alternative local branches to cope with the increase of custom
The demographics, with particular regard to the number of local people aged 70 plus and younger people
Future housing developments
The impact on local businesses, particularly small business ventures
Cllr Carol Evans, Ward Member for Poole Town, said: “We are particularly concerned about the needs of the elderly and those who cannot access Post Office services in other ways. An overwhelming number of residents who will be affected by these proposed closures have contacted myself and fellow Councillors and we have taken the decision to support the community in their fight to save these vital services.”
Letters should be sent to The National Consultation Team, Post Office Ltd, FREEPOST CONSULTATION TEAM or e-mailed to consultation@postoffice.co.uk by 12 September 2008.
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Report on Proposals for Branksome Rec
Results of an independent study into public feedback on proposals for Branksome Recreation Ground have been presented to Borough of Poole.
The council commissioned Bournemouth University to conduct independent analysis of responses to the proposals submitted by Poole Town Football Club to relocate from its existing home at Tatnam Park to Branksome Recreation Ground.
The proposals, announced in March, also included plans to improve and modernise the existing sport and community facilities, plus the creation of football pitches and multi-use games areas.
Poole Town FC held an open meeting in April and Borough of Poole also asked for views and feedback on the proposals. Issues raised included parking, loss of open space, plus potential impact on traffic and noise levels.
Borough of Poole has asked Poole Town FC to review its current proposals and provide more detailed evidence of how it would address the issues raised by the public.
Clive Smith, Head of Leisure Services, Borough of Poole, said: “The Council is keen to promote more sports and leisure activity across the borough, as part of our health and wellbeing objective. We are asking Poole Town FC to clearly demonstrate how it would address the issues raised by the public before the council could offer further consideration to the proposal.”
Borough of Poole has also asked the football club to provide a clear financial plan and further evidence of the community benefits of the proposals.
Cllr Peter Adams, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture, Borough of Poole, said: “Throughout this process, our priority was to ensure the views of all local people were properly heard. We believe this independent report offers a robust analysis of the opinions expressed. “The report raises issues that Poole Town FC should consider if the club decide to present more detailed proposals to the council in the future.”
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Industrial Action: Impact On Council Services
Members of UNISON and Unite – unions representing many local authority workers – have voted to stage two days of national industrial action on Wednesday July 16 and Thursday July 17.
The industrial action is likely to disrupt council services across the country and here in Poole.
During this period, Borough of Poole will endeavour to maintain services as best as possible.
With the co-operation of unions locally, the council is making special arrangements to ensure a number of essential services are provided, such as social care and child protection.
However, some key services such as bin collections, will be affected. Others, including access to planning offices, will not be available at all during the strike period. At present, ten schools in the borough have indicated that they will be fully or partially closed on one or both days of the industrial action.
Delivery of some services may also be affected for a period after the industrial action as the council catches up with the backlog of work. However, every effort will be made to minimise any impact and the council apologises for any unavoidable delays that may result.
Residents will still be able to use the council’s online facilities including our Apply For It, Pay For It and Report It sections, 24 hours a day. Council phone lines are expected to be extremely busy, so callers may face delays during and immediately after the strike.
Colin Hague, Head of Personnel and Training Services, Borough of Poole, said: "This is a national dispute over pay and the council has maintained good working relationships here in Poole. We expect many employees will take strike action, but currently the indications are that the majority of staff will be working.
“We have reached agreement with Unison to ensure that some critical services such as social care and child protection will be covered and we hope to keep disruption to other services to an absolute minimum."
We will regularly update our website with any additional details of those services affected by the industrial action.
Council services which will be affected by the industrial action:
Adult Social Services and Children’s Social Care – a reduced/emergency service only will be available. Please contact your social worker in advance if you have any concerns or need further details.
Beaches, Parks and Open Spaces – litter collection and cleaning may not be possible during the strike period and a reduced ranger service may be in operation.
Benefits and Housing Services – the offices at the Civic Centre are expected to open throughout the strike, but customers may experience a longer wait than usual. Housing services will be restricted to emergency cases only.
Bin Collections – unlikely to be able to provide a full service during the strike, affecting all types of bin collection (black, blue and green). We also expect the Household Waste Recycling Centre at Nuffield to be closed.
Car Parks – the lift at Kingland Road car park may not be operating due to the need to ensure adequate safety cover.
Crematorium and Burials – to avoid any potential disruption to family plans, no bookings are being taken for July 16 and 17. Following days may be busier than usual.
Libraries and Museum – Parkstone Library will be closed both days. All other libraries and Poole Museum are currently expected to be open, with reduced staff numbers.
Planning and Building Consultancy – unable to provide facilities at the Civic Centre for customers to visit to view plans. Similarly, Building Consultancy team will not be available to visit, but will still be undertaking statutory inspections.
Schools – the following schools have confirmed to the Council their intent to close all or some of their classes:
Carter Community Sports College (Years 8 and 9 only closed)
Heatherlands First School
Longspee Special School
Manorside Combined School
Rossmore Community College
St Joseph’s RC VA Combined School (5/6p, 6c, 7a and 7b open AM only)
St Mary’s Catholic Combined School
Sylvan First School
Turlin Moor Community Middle School
Turlin Moor First School (closed 16 July)
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Poole Workshop Boost
A workshop has been held to explore ideas for a potential new attraction to boost Poole’s tourism economy.
Members of Poole’s tourism and business community met with members and officers from Borough of Poole to discuss what opportunities may exist for a tourist attraction in the town.
Tourism businesses in Poole were invited to attend the workshop, held on Monday June 16, as were local councillors, members of Poole’s Town Centre Management Board. Other key stakeholders, including the South West Regional Development Agency and Poole Harbour Commissioners were also invited to the event.
Ideas arising from the workshop for potential attractions will initially be considered by members of the Poole Tourism Management Board for further evaluation.
Bruce Grant-Braham, Chairman of Poole Tourism Management Board, said: "The workshop was a very positive event and showed the clear commitment from the council and the industry of working together to further the success of the town. We have a very strong product in the town already with our stunning harbour, beaches, parks and Quayside, along with major quality attractions such as Compton Acres and Tower Park, but recent losses of attractions on the Quay has meant that our competitive position has lessened, and with it visitor numbers.
“We are keen to explore new attraction opportunities and if we can develop a clear picture of what investment the town would like to attract it will give all of those involved the confidence to respond positively if an approach is made, or to be proactive if opportunities become known. There were many fresh, imaginative and innovative ideas being put forward at the workshop which will now be evaluated and then shared across the town."
Cllr Xena Dion, Chairman of the Local Economy Overview and Scrutiny Group, Borough of Poole, said: "Tourism plays a hugely important part in the success and dynamics of Poole's local economy and the Council is fully committed to helping the local industry seek suitable leisure investment which will help develop it still further.
“However, we need a clear vision of what investment would be right for Poole. The first stage of this is to work with our tourism businesses and major stakeholders so we can consider what options would be possible to deliver in Poole.
"A number of ideas have now been put forward and officers will be evaluating these against various strategies and objectives. Those ideas that appear to meet Poole's requirements will be shared with Poole's residents through a public consultation exercise to seek their views and comments. Involving the community and gaining its support is vital for the success of tourism in Poole."
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JACKET POCKET BOOKS:
SLOW BUS TO AHUACHAPAN' John Drewman
EL SALVADOR'S recent past has been bloody and violent, but new hope has emerged bringing stability and progress. Catch glimpses of this through the eyes of a passenger, in the book `SLOW BUS TO AHUACHAPAN' by John Drewman, a new author.
Uprooted in his late teens from a nomadic existence between town and country in his native Zimbabwe, John Drewman followed his parents to Great Britain, fabled land of peace and plenty whence his forbears had crossed the sea to Africa three generations before. After a university education in the hills of Wales and a few years subsequently spent teaching in the quiet Cambridge countryside, his restless spirit took him again halfway around the world to another continent, a different culture and, importantly, to a climate akin to that of his youth. Only his job remained the same. Living in El Salvador sparked an interest, enthusiasm and affection for the country, its way of life, its people. Slow Bus to Ahuachapan describes a journey by `chicken bus', into the impressively forested volcanic mountains of the interior, an experience involving insights and perspectives that left John Drewman at his destination changed and wondering.
This little book is a gently, humorously appreciative account of an adventure far from the cushioned comfort of the tourist track, taking the reader into close quarters with reality. Where human nature is right there beside you on the seat next to you on the bus and there is no escape. Share the experience with the author who says it as it is, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions.
In paperback, priced at £4.99, fitting lightly and comfortably into the average jacket pocket, its eighty-one pages liberally endowed with 53 colour photographs amply illustrating the diversity in all aspects of this fascinating, challengingly beautiful country. Slow Bus to Ahuachapan is an ideal travelling companion.
Available from Waterstones and from
Jacket Pocket Books, 73 Hart Lane, Luton. LU20JG
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