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!

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???

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!!!

I've objected to the potential new pharmacy as I beleive it is not in the best interests of Ferndown Town Centre, having discussed the matter with some local people.  Ferndown Town Council have also objected.  It looks like it will go to EDDC planning committee.  Make your views known!

152 hits in July.  Given I have been on holiday for much of it, and posted little new information, pleased with this.  It represents significant engagement with my electorate, which is not happening consistently with others.  Do get in touch with anything you want to discuss.

Just for clarity's sake, I represent the even numbered houses in Church Road, but not the odds!  Believe they are in Stapehill.  Thanks.

New Information Boards have been produced by EDDC but they are Wimborne-centric, and not appropriate for Ferndown, the largest settlement in the District.  I hope they will be amended, or I shall be asking for them not to be put up/to be taken down, and for an explanation into wastage of resources.

Since 25th May, and this Website & Blog going live I've had 292 hits, which may seem a little or a lot to you?  I'm very pleased with it, because every contact means Councillors are getting to grips with reaching out to their community.  It's just a start.  I will be confirming surgery dates at the town council offices shortly.  I will be linking to more local websites as time goes on, and I hope we can all work together in achieving a critical mass of electronic news, views and exchanges of information in Ferndown.

"Once the Core Strategy, Town Plan and STR are in  place it may be that we  progress a Town Centre Action Plan, which could either  form part of the  neighbourhood plan system, or the current mainstream LDF  process.  Either way,  we will ensure that we put a focus on dealing with the  issues of Ferndown  TC."  Encouraging news for Ferndown Town Centre today, as passed to the town clerk.