Enjoyed working with fellow town councillors outside Sainsbury's yesterday handing out publicity fliers for the meeting at the Barrington Centre form 7pm on 31st January.  We're clear that Ferndown District Councillors will attend the meeting to listen to Ferndown residents on their views of the Uddens and Pompey's Lane propsoed sites.  I have been contacted by residnets concerned that the COunty Council Committee has already decided on the Uddens site.  To do this within the consultation period is nothing less than disrespectful to residents, frankly.  I shall start work to support residents by contact Fendown County Cllrs, and the Chairman of that Committee.  Do come along to the meetign at the end of the month.

Delighted that Ferndown Town Council have decided to consult residents on their views.  Unacceptable that EDDC have not provided a public meeting for the largest settlement in East Dorset.  I have represented resident's views to this effect.  The Planning Committee of FTC is to be commended.  Notwithstanding my interest given my wife is the Chairman.

What is for sure is EDDC has a statutory duty to provide authorised sites for travellers.  Until we do, our communities are more vulnerable to unauthorised intrusions.  We need to balance the rights of our settled communities, and of those whom choose to live a semi-nomadic lifestyle.  I believe though, that once any citizen steps outside of the law, then our responsibilities to support those individuals should cease.  There should be a balance of respect, rights and responsibiliites.