So I had a street corner surgery on Wednesday from 5.30-6.30 at the Redwood Drive entrance to Slop Bog.  Over the hour I had some nine interesting discussions, with the longest lasting 15 minutes.  What is clear is that there is a high level of satisfaction with Ferndown as somewhere to live.  The things that people were less happy about were:

- Anti-social behaviour in Leisure centre car park, and broken glass around that area, despite the KGV groundsmen regularly picking it up.  I have been asking for action in this matter from the the town council, for some time. 
- the lack of a balanced shopping centre.  I explained the plans for town centre enhancement, to hopefully include an improved retail offer but explained the reasons behind the fading retail offer.
- Planning issues.  We all have hopes thta the Localism Bill planning chnages will allow planning authorities to focus on the needs and future plans agreed by residents in place-shaping.  Get involved in the Town Plan!
Street corner surgeries are now an integral part of my community engagement work within my ward, and I'm grateful to my residnets for being so open and willing to talk to me - on the edge of the woods!

40 people sat down to quiz and for a fish supper from Harlees in Ferndown, at the Heatherlands Centre last night.  A close run thing saw the Kings and Queens drive ahead with good use of the joker and a stunning answer to the picture quiz bonus.  But they faded badly at the end, to be overhauled in the final round by the Scrambled Egg Heads who won by three points.  The Dipsticks were a very strong third-placed team, one point behind the Royal team.  The Bristol Creamers played with a measured hand and took the wooden spoon.  Thanks to all who came, and to PC Julian Humphries for popping in and keeping order!

The fungi in Harmont Wood tonight are spectacular.  Particularly the Fly Agaric.  The most I've ever seen together.  But also a diverse range of species.

Wow!  So the tallest Sunflower was a 12 footer.  Looking forward to hearing more in  Mags4Dorset.

Janine Pulford from Mags4Dorset and Deputy Mayor Terry Cordery are judging the tallest sunflower competition today for Ferndown in Bloom.  The presentation is on 28th September and all are welcome to attend.

Thanks to Chris Chope OBE MP for his brave challenge to the CB scheme.  Hugh Robertson MP, whom I used to work closely for in the army, was just plain wrong in his response.  He said, "What local people want is not always the best traffic solution to achieve what people are trying to do on a national scale."  Given that the traffic stacks up at Ringwood before it gets to us, I'm not sure how all the money spent on roundabouts will make much difference in any case.  I use the route daily, and in summer, it can tkae three hours to get home.  Nothing is being done at Cadnam or Ringwood - thus how much difference will it all make.  Does the Minister for Sport show the real view of Government on Localism???

Carillion have been awarded the contract to deliver an improvement scheme at Canford Bottom roundabout. The scheme aims to reduce congestion, both from the A31 and local roads and to make the junction safer. New signing, road markings and traffic lights will be installed and new cycling and pedestrian facilities will link the communities on either side of the A31. The scheme is required to deal with current safety and congestion issues. The work will start shortly and will be completed before  the Olympics begin.

The work to carry out the improvements will involve temporary overnight closures of the A31 trunk road and the local roads on the approach to, and exiting the junction, when traffic flows are at their lowest; a combination of night and day time closures of the four
local roads on the approach to, and exiting the junction; and a temporary restricted speed limit of 30mph. A temporary pedestrian route will be available across the roundabout while the work takes place. Clearly-signed diversions will be in place during the road
closures.  If you have a query ring 0300 123 5000 or email [email protected]. 
  

I will be at the Redwood Drive entrance to Slop Bog tomorrow from 5.30pm.  I will be speaking to people around, learning what their local issues are, and supporting as needed. 

Went to the lovely Amberwood House Home on Ringwood Road this afternoon for the Garden Party.  As well as inviting the town mayor, I was delighted that they asked me to come by name, remembering me from last year and from ferndownin Bloom.  Lovely cream tea, and Cathy and I won a bottle of wine and a bottle of liquer.  Ker-ching!  Thanks to manager Stephen, to Sonia [your son-in-law is always in our thoughts] and to all the staff.  Judging of the sunflowers is next saturday - saw yours!!!