4-5.qxp_Inside Pages 23/08/2016 14:25 Page 2
News from around the borough
In and around the town Bournemouth War Memorial
Hate crime – report it
Everyone has the right to live free from fear, prejudice and violence, regardless of their race, colour, religion, nationality, or sexual orientation. Hate is the most appalling of human emotions, often fuelled by ignorance and prejudice. We will do everything that we can to tackle all forms of prejudice and discrimination in Bournemouth. Hate crime can take many forms, including physical attacks, threats and verbal abuse. We do not tolerate hate crime, and you can help us stop it. You can report a hate crime in the following ways: • call Dorset Police on 101 • call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
By reporting these kinds of incidents, even anonymously, you can help us get a better idea of our community’s problems. For more information visit: bournemouth.gov.uk/hatecrime
Unite in commemorating Remembrance Sunday On Sunday 13 November you will have the opportunity to remember the heroes and victims of war at the Bournemouth Remembrance Day Service.
The service is held at the War Memorial in Bournemouth’s Central Gardens and begins at 10:57am with two minutes’ silence at 11am. Lasting around 40 minutes, the service is followed by a wreath laying ceremony when the Mayor will lay one of the first wreaths on behalf of the people of Bournemouth. If you would like to attend this service, you can watch it from Bourne Avenue, an area of the Central Gardens or in Avenue Road. Specific areas in Bourne Avenue and the Gardens are reserved for wheelchair users. Find out more at: bournemouth.gov.uk/remembrance
Did you know?
Bournemouth’s Poppy Appeal will be launched by the Mayor on 31 October. Poppies will be available in local shops and other venues including the Town Hall.
Tackling empty homes
Empty properties can attract squatters, vermin and may also become a target for vandals and other anti-social behaviour. They can also be unsightly and a financial worry for their owners.
Demand for housing is increasing
We work with home owners and landlords to help bring empty properties back into use and also take enforcement action where necessary. Councillor Robert Lawton, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “It is crucial, at a time when the demand for housing is increasing, that the Council does everything it can to ensure empty homes are improved and used to provide much needed housing for local people and help to reduce the negative impact that some empty properties have on the community.”
FACT
If you have an empty property, there are a number of options open to you. For advice, or if you are worried about a vacant property in your neighbourhood, please telephone the Empty Homes Officer on: 01202 454893 or report it online at: bournemouth.gov.uk/emptyhomes
There are around 88,000 homes across the borough and our most recent figures show that there are more than 800 empty properties.
BH Life Autumn 2016
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