29 March 2024 / 11 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Looking back at Jon Orrell's 2019-2024 term of office [2/4]... Melcombe Regis Green Councillor Jon Orrell says: "It has been good to see that the permission I gained for the change of use for the precious St John's Gardens has reaped benefits over the last few years. "This oasis of green now has a corner used by local groups who engage with people with learning needs. The fruits (and veg) of their labours are wonderful to see.
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28 March 2024 / 11 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Looking back on Jon Orrell's 2019-2024 term of office [1/4]... Pictured is the new footpath and cycleway that runs by B&Q in Weymouth. It used to be narrow and messy. Melcombe Regis Green Councillor Jon Orrell worked with Public Health and other partners to redevelop this area, and preserve the old railway lines that are part of our history. Jon said: "I am keen to see the rich past of our town celebrated whilst also making it safe to walk and cycle.
26 February 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Green Councillor Clare Sutton (Rodwell & Wyke) secured Dorset Council’s commitment in 2021 to reinstating the Underbarn - a scenic path in Weymouth from Bincleaves Green to Castle Cove Beach. The Underbarn has been closed since 2001 owing to safety concerns after landslips. It has since fallen into an overgrown state of disrepair. Much of the Underbarn was cut through after the initial reopening agreement. Unfortunately progress then stalled for various reasons. However, landowners were informed last month that works would recommence and this has now started.
2 February 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
On paper, Dorset Council has balanced its budget for 2024-25 through a 5% rise on Council Tax, fees and charges, and using up to £8m of its reserves if it can’t find further savings. But it has already spent £40m of reserves in its first five years. The Council Tax rise will hit many residents really hard but, with various councils across the country going bust, Dorset Council has little choice unless central government policy changes. Funding to local authorities has been slashed by half since 2010, with Dorset remaining almost bottom of the pile. Adult Social Care in particular, which already accounts for over 40% of Dorset Council’s expenditure, is chronically underfunded. Local Care Home Manager Claudia Webb writes: “This is an extremely pressing issue which successive governments have failed to address."
1 February 2024 / 12 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Wyke Regis Town Councillor Helen Toft was contacted by a Williams Avenue resident in November who told her that, on Halloween, a large group of young people banged and kicked cars in the road and verbally abused residents who challenged them. As this was corroborated by other residents, Helen organised a meeting that was attended by around 20 residents, the Police, senior staff from All Saints School, Dorset Council’s Anti-Social Behaviour officer and councillors Clare Sutton and Lucy Hamilton.
1 February 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Bridport has approximately 500 listed buildings, most of which are ordinary residential houses, and many are small and at the cheaper end of the housing market. However, a constant issue raised by the residents of these houses is the difficulty in getting planning permission to install solar panels (even of rear elevations that can’t be seen from the road) and fit wooden double glazing. One solution being pursued by Green Party Councillor Kelvin Clayton is for Dorset Council to pass a Listed Building Consent Order, an order that allows people to install solar panels and double glazing on/in listed building without planning permission provided certain criteria are met.
31 January 2024 / 12 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Rodwell & Wyke Green Councillor Clare Sutton has worked closely with Independent councillor Luke Wakeling on improvements to Chapelhay Steps. A new bench has now been installed, which helps those with limited mobility. Foliage has been drastically cut back, opening up visibility of the ‘secluded’ bench.
30 January 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Powerfuel appealed against Dorset Council’s decision to refuse permission for a new waste incinerator on Portland. The Public Inquiry was held 5-21 December. The large attendance over the two weeks reflected the pretty much unanimous rejection of the Incinerator by local people. Dorset Green Councillors Brian Heatley and Clare Sutton were among over 50 people who spoke at the Public Evidence day, all against the plant. Clare focussed on the impact of 80 (huge!) HGV journeys through Wyke every day, and on the potential harm to our tourist industry and local economy.
30 January 2024 / 14 December 2024 by chrishenderson
A recent planning application to turn the old Methodist Church on Portland Road, Wyke Regis into six flats has been turned down. Many local residents objected because no parking spaces were included, in a part of Wyke where this is a pressing issue.
29 January 2024 / 22 December 2024 by chrishenderson
Rodwell & Wyke Greens Coordinator Val Graves writes: “Like many local people I swim in the sea throughout the year. As you may know, our sewerage network is a ‘combined system’, where both sewage and surface water flow into the same pipes. When that system becomes overloaded, for example when it rains heavily, water companies are allowed to discharge human sewage into the sea, at places like Sandsfoot and Castle Cove.
