News from the three towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole
BCP Council’s Local Plan rejected by Inspectors – page 10
The art of sleep: Top tips for a good nights sleep – page 14
Locals to bid final farewell to Poole Maternity Unit – page 20
MP in the Spotlight: We talk to Jessica Toale MP for Bournemouth West – page 22
SPRING WHAT'S ON PULLOUT ON PAGES 16-18
There are two schools of thought when it comes to local democracy: The first is that Parish, Town and Community Councils can allow for a more community led focus on local issues and enable decisionmaking to happen at grass-roots level with residents feeling more closely represented.
The second is that Parish, Town and Community Councils can add another layer of bureaucracy making decision-making slower, more drawn out and ultimately more expensive as local tax payers have to pay for the extra layer of decision-making.
A recent public survey by the council asking residents how they see their communities being represented in the future, has shown that they are wanting more influence on decisions directly affecting their community.
The Government recommend a review every 10 to 15 years on Parish, Town and Community councils, so in October 2024 BCP Council invited proposals from the local community. These have now been reviewed by a cross-party group of councillors whose recommendations were set out in a report to the council’s cabinet.
A meeting took place on the 5th of March – the main recommendations being that new Parish Councils are created for Broadstone, Redhill and Northbourne, Boscombe and Pokesdown, and Southbourne. Remaining areas of the former Poole Borough Council area and Bournemouth Borough Council areas would have their own Town Councils.
Parish and Town councils focus on local priorities and activities such as managing parks, car parks, community centres, cemeteries and public conveniences.
There is a rumour that mermaids are making their way to our shores this springtime and BH Living readers are being asked to see if they can spot any of the giant mermaid tails that are expected to be popping up all around Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
As part of the Community Art Adventure, Julia’s house has set up a trail of gigantic mermaid tails across key locations in BCP. Each giant tail has been sponsored by a local business and given a unique design by an artist. Local residents are being challenged to see just how many of the tails they can find across the region, with the help of some modern technology.
The Great Tail Trail app will help maximise the trail experience, helping the tail hunters to navigate around the trail. Each tail you locate will help to collect rewards from the sculpture’s sponsors. The trail is due to end on the 1st of June and two weeks later on the weekend of the 14th and
Other local aspects which they can be involved with can include Christmas decorations, street furniture, litter bins, seating, bus shelters, and community events and entertainment and also involvement in local planning issues.
There are currently five parish councils in BCP, mainly in the former Christchurch Borough Council area.
Parish Councils are funded through an additional tax contribution called a ‘precept’, decided by elected councillors. The additional cost to local council tax payers can be as low as zero, but the average annual cost is £42.96 (for a band D property) which is charged as an ‘extra’ on Council Tax bills. The majority of BCP residents don’t currently pay this added on their bills.
BCP Council leader, CIIr Millie Earl, said “It is too soon to say what the eventual outcome will be, but I am pleased that the current recommendations provide for everyone to have the opportunity to be part of a Parish Council.”
“Parish councils allow local people to have a greater say in what happens in their area, and while BCP Council will continue to provide all of our core services, we would work hand in hand with any new parish councils that are created.”
The cabinet passed their recommendations to the full council in a meeting on the 25th March, with the final proposals available for public consultation by the 22nd of June. All responses will be considered before a final recommendation is drawn up for a council meeting on the 14th of October.
15th all the tails will be under one roof for a family fun weekend at the Bournemouth International Centre.
A grand auction for the tails will take place on Friday the 20th of June where everyone can have a chance to buy a giant mermaid tail with all the proceeds going to Julia’s house.
Julia’s house is a children’s hospice that provides special care to children with life-limiting and complex conditions. The Great Tail Trail is aiming to raise vital funds and awareness to help Julia’s House continue its vital lifeline of care in Dorset.
Southboure Beach & Westbourne Tower Care Homes have dedicated well-being teams to produce an exciting and varied programme of activities and events every day. Residents are supported with personal interests not already covered in the calendar and memory, physical and sensory-based activities are designed with therapeutic outcomes in mind.
Day trips • Creative writing classes • Art classes • Gardening club Live entertainment • Yoga and exercise classes
Southbourne Beach 01202 036897
Westbourne Tower 01202 036896
Parents and carers who applied online for their child’s secondary school places can now log on to view their ‘secondary school offer’ – this means that they can find out what school their child has been offered. Offer letters will also be sent to all parents who applied with 97% of families in BCP Council area have been offered a place at one of their preferred schools.
A total of 3790 families living in the BCP area applied for a secondary school place before the deadline of 31 October 2024. All children of parents in the BCP area who applied by the national deadline have been offered a secondary school place for September 2025.
Councillor Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, BCP Council said ““Where families have not been offered a place at their preferred school it is recommended that they contact our school admissions team who are here to help you.”
Primary school places for September 2025 will be announced on 16 April 2025,
Families living in BCP seeking information about school vacancy and options available should contact the school admissions team: 01202 123222 or 01202 127963.
The historic pier at Hamworthy lake was closed back in 2023 due to a failure to meet safety standards after a safety inspection.
The closure was met with disappointment from the local community, however, the community infrastructure Levy came to the rescue providing £330,000 of funding to help restore the bridge for public access.
Work started back in autumn and access has now been fully restored. The timber pier was built back in 1939 and was a fuelling station during the second world war so is a valued part of the town’s history.
Over the years the pier has felt the effects of the extreme weather and so steel has been used to strengthen the structure. Rocks have also been used to reinforce 55 metres of harbour frontage to protect the pier head and car park from coastal erosion.
It’s hoped the improvements will help extend the life of the pier well beyond its 100th year.
A Border terrier/ cocker spaniel cross-breed called Chester has won the ‘Most Handsome Dog’ trophy in the Special Crossbreed competition at Crufts this year.
As Crufts is only open to pedigrees, for non-purebred dog there is ‘Scrufts’ which welcomes the cross-breed varieties in all their shapes and sizes and is held in conjunction with the main contest. Congratulations to Chester from all the team at BH Living.
University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) which covers Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Hospitals has widened its smoking ban to include all outdoor areas within the hospital sites. The ban wider ban came into effect on National No Smoking Day on 12 March. The aim is to offer a healthier environment for all patients, visitors and colleagues.
Vaping is still permitted but must be at least three metres away from all doors and windows.
Dr Peter Wilson, Chief Medical Officer at UHD, added: “This isn’t easy – smoking is not a lifestyle choice or a bad habit – it is a powerful addiction. That’s why we’re here to support our colleagues and patients to quit for good. In fact, treating tobacco addiction is now a standard of care in our hospitals.”
More information is available at www.uhd.nhs.uk/ about-us/smokefree. Free stop smoking support is also available via Live Well Dorset at: www.livewelldorset.co.uk/stop-smoking
As spring arrives it is nesting season for some of the rarest birds in BCP, birds such as nightjars, woodlarks and Dartford warblers.
These birds set up their nests on the ground and can easily be disturbed which can cause the birds to abandon their chicks or their eggs.
To help protect them, Dorset Wildlife Trust is appealing for local dog owners to keep their dog on the lead in heathland areas.
There are many areas of heathland in BCP such as Canford health, Hengistbury head, Upton Country Park to name but a few.
To check where the heathland areas are in BCP visit www. dorsetheaths.org.uk/places-to-explore/ which contains a map that shows all the heathland areas that may be natural habitats for ground nesting birds.
BCP Council have confirmed all four paddling pools in the area will reopen this summer, thanks to a collaboration with community partners across BCP.
All pools are free to enter and offer a fun activity for families in the summer months.
Redhill, Hamworthy Park and Littledown paddling pools are set to be open between 23 May to 6 September and The Quomps Splash Park in Christchurch from May half term to September.
Redhill paddling pool will welcome families once more this summer after the council agreed to allocate funding from this year’s budget whilst they try to find a more suitable option for next year.
BCP Council remains keen to speak with businesses and organisations who are interested in sponsoring Redhill paddling pool in 2026 and beyond, following this years’ summer season.
Councillor Millie Earl, Leader of the council, said: “These paddling pools are hugely popular with our local communities and I’m so pleased that we can now confirm that they will all be open and ready to welcome families again by the summer.”
A man from Bournemouth was convicted this month for driving at speeds rarely seen on Britain’s roads.
At 11:40pm on Tuesday 4 June 2024 a Dorset Police Officer caught sight of a car that seemed to be taking a corner at a dangerous speed at the Ashley Heath Roundabout.
The BMW 325i coupé was headed towards Bournemouth and by the time officers had caught up with the car it was travelling at speeds in excess of 150mph – in fact the exact speed was an eye-watering 153mph.
Incredibly the driver was aged just 23 and was carrying a passenger.
Police Constable Kier Dagnall, of the Roads Policing Team, said: “We were very quickly able to respond and stop this vehicle from being involved in a collision and the driver potentially injuring themselves, their front-seat passenger or another road user.
“This driver had only passed his driving test three weeks beforehand
and was travelling at incredibly dangerous speeds with someone else in his vehicle.
“We cannot make it any clearer – there is no excuse for driving over the speed limit and endangering other road users. The footage shows just how quickly the BMW driver was travelling as within seconds he was out of our sight.
“We know that some young, newly qualified drivers can be drawn into travelling at dangerous speeds and testing their capabilities, but this is not acceptable. You will ultimately risk losing your licence that you just worked hard to obtain and the consequences could be tragic if you are involved in a road traffic collision.”
The driver was charged with dangerous driving and was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court. He received a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years and was disqualified from driving for two years and six months. He was also instructed to take an extended test.
BCP Council are working with Dorset Council to create a joint new transport plan which aims to improve transport across the whole of Dorset over the next 10 to 15 years.
A public survey has already been undertaken from the 22nd of January to the 3rd of March to collect opinion from local residents on local transport issues. And now, having gathered the resident’s views, the council are now asking local businesses to contribute in a new businessspecific survey.
The aim with the latest survey of businesses is to gain a better understanding of the travel and transport needs and expectations of local businesses. It runs from 10th of March until the 17th of April 2025.
The information and opinions gathered will help to structure the future workplace travel and transport initiatives and will contribute to the development of the latest Local Travel Plan strategy.
A free webinar is being offered to Dorset businesses to help them identify fire risks whilst also offering basic fire safety tips for your premises, It also offers guidance on how to protect staff, customers and assets in an emergency.
Topics include fire risk assessments, training and fire equipment maintenance.
To join the webinar visit forms.office.com/Pages/
The owner of a local caravan park has received a large fine after failing to work with BCP Council to address safety concerns.
Hampshire Mobile Park Homes Enterprises Ltd, the license holder for Iford Bridge Home Park, has been ordered to pay £27,575 after breaching a Compliance Notice.
The notice was issued by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council in April 2024 following an annual inspection by Council officers.
In total, the operator was asked to carry out 33 actions that would, among other things, improve fire safety, electrical safety and common parts for residents.
The new plan being devised aims to prioritise safe and easy travel whilst reducing carbon emissions and protecting BCP and Dorset’s landscape.
By the autumn of 2025, both the Councils will be launching a public consultation on the draft of the LTP4 strategy and implementation plan, created after considering the opinions expressed in these latest surveys.
The final strategy, once adopted by BCP and Dorset Councils in spring 2026, will play a crucial role in securing national funding for essential transport improvements.
If you are a business and you would like to contribute your views to the latest transport survey visit: online1.snapsurveys.com/Interview
Dorset Chamber has joined forces again with the Dorset and Somerset Training Provider Network (DSTPN) to run the Dorset Apprenticeship Awards 2025.
The Honours to be presented in five different categories at an awards ceremony with His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset on the 15th of May.
• Level 2 (Intermediate) Apprentice of the Year
• Level 3 (Advanced) Apprentice of the Year
• Level 4 or 5 Higher Apprentice of the Year
• Degree Apprentice of the Year
• Supported Internship of the Year
Hampshire Mobile Park Home Enterprises Ltd were given until 28 June 2024 to address these issues but they failed to do so.
As a result, they were prosecuted for failing to adhere to a Compliance Notice and found guilty, in their absence, at Poole Magistrates’ Court in December 2024.
The company has now been fined a total of £27,575 at a recent sentencing hearing which included a £2000 victim surcharge, plus costs of £1,575.
Cllr Kieron Wilson, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Regulatory Services, said: "This result should send a really clear message: that we take the safety of our residents across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole incredibly seriously.
"When license holders fail to comply with their licence conditions that impact upon safety obligations, and then refuse to address concerns, we as a Council will take robust and decisive action through all the processes at our disposal – including prosecution.”
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nightly turn-down of guests beds, they will set bedside radio clocks to Classic FM, played quietly, so that when guests arrive back in their rooms after an evening out, they are met with a calming and soothing atmosphere..
If you haven’t fallen asleep after 15 minutes get up, try moving to a different room and do something relaxing to distract your mind making it easier to fall asleep again when you return to bed. Again, avoid screens. Caffeine or alcohol isn’t recommended either. Try a herbal tea if you need to make a warm relaxing drink. Read a book or magazine or open the curtains and look at the stars, or the moon, or the silhouettes of trees and houses.
The NHS also offer helpful tips on sleep, even suggesting that it’s things we do during the day that can help us to sleep at night too. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle, eating well and exercising regularly will all have a positive effect on our ability to sleep.
Also setting up a routine and sticking to it, this will allow us to have a regular sleeping schedule. It’s almost like training our body and it will find it easier to fall asleep once bedtime becomes a routine.
A good website that offers advice on developing a nightime routine, (as well as other helpful sleep tips) is www.mind.org. uk/information-support/types-of-mentalhealth-problems/sleep-problems/tips-toimprove-your-sleep/?
So, if we improve our sleep what difference can it make in our day-to-day life?
A good nights sleep will improve our emotional well-being. Our body will have had the rest it needs to recover from the day before giving us a far more productive day the next day -if we are tired it is harder to deal with stressful and emotional situations.
As well as this it can reduce our chance of getting ill as our body will have had time to fully repair and create a tougher immune system to help fight off disease. It will lower your risk of chronic conditions such as, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.
Sleeping is also proven to make us happier, more contented beings, so we’re nicer to be around!
If your sleep is not improving it could be a sign of a sleeping disorder such as insomnia, if you think something isn’t right go visit your GP or get some more information at www.nhs.uk.
Good sleep matters – it’s important for healthy living, so put sleep first by joining the NHS 6-week email programme. From creating your perfect sleep sanctuary to setting a wind-down alarm, join today to find out how to make "goodnight" a great night – all delivered in bite-sized chunks straight into your inbox. Visit www.sleep.ecrm-registration.nhs.uk to sign up
Scan this QR code with your phone to watch this handy video by the NHS to help improve your sleep.
An easy way of keeping a routine is by keeping a sleep diary, where you can include:
✮ When you go to bed
✮ If you wake up in the night
✮ The time you wake up in the morning
✮ If you take naps
✮ When you exercise
✮ When you drink alcohol and caffeine
✮ When or if you’ve taken any medication.
A template for this has been provided by the National Institute of Health www.nhlbi.nih.gov/resources/sleep-diary
✮ Using tablets of phones an hour before you go to sleep
✮ Eating a large meal before bed
✮ Drinking alcohol two hours before going to bed
✮ Drinking caffeine or energy drinks before bed
✮ Leaving your phone notifications on
✮ Doing intense exercise before bed
By Freya Haines
Here’s our pick of events going on in and around BCP over the next few months.
Ditch the couch and complete 5k at your own speed and pace. Do it with friends or family or alone and perhaps make new friends!
Date: Every Saturday Time: 9:00am-10:00am
Location: Kings Park Athletic Stadium
Price: Free
More Info: www.bournemouth.co.uk/whats-on
It’s mum’s time to shine! This Mother’s Day weekend, Mums get half price entrance plus why not treat Mum to a specially prepared delicious cream tea.
Date: 29/03/25 – 30/03/25 Time: 9:30am-4:00pm
Location: Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park
Price: Adult & Child (3+) – £16.00, 2 Year Old – £9.00
(Mums get ½ price tickets)
More Info: farmerpalmers.co.uk/events/mothers-day/
OUTALIMITS at Bournemouth Aviation Museum for their only public Easter Event for 2025, An all day event with doors open at 10am Visit there exhibits then at 1.30
Outalimits will be on stage with disco, party dances, prizes and giveaways!
Date: 13/04/25 Time: 10am
Location: Bournemouth Aviation Museum, Christchurch
Price: Adults – £10, Children – £5
More Info: theregent.co.uk/event/
Family Film
Entertaining your child can be difficult over the holidays therefore Wimborne are offering a free family film where there is no booking required.
Date: 16/04/25, 20/04/25, 23/04/25
Time: 10:00am
Location: The Allendale, Wimborne minster
Price: Free
More Info: theallendale.org/regular-activities
Enjoy the classic story of Beauty And The Beast, the wicked enchantress Elora transforms the handsome prince into a beast, and the curse ensures that if the Beast can find true love before the last petal of the rose falls, the curse will end and the prince will be restored.
Date: 25/04/25 Time: 7:30pm-9:30pm
Location: The Factory Space
Price: Adult – £12.50 (+1.05 fee) Child – £7.50 (+0.63 fee)
More Info: ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/bournemouth/
See a WWII tank display and explore The Tank Museum on a day dedicated to the world’s most infamous tank. Live tanks in action, expert lectures, Living History and much, much more!
Date: 26/04/25 Time: 8:30am-5:00pm
Location: Tank Museum
Price: Adult (16+) – £29.75, Child (4-15) – £12, Child (under 4) – £1
More Info: tankmuseum.org/events/tiger-day-spring
Free Poole Baby Event
Come down to the dolphin centre in Poole where you can get involved with talks and demos and free goody nags whilst supporting the SPRING charity that supports families who have lost a baby.
Date: 27/04/25 Time: 11:00am – 15:00pm
Location: The Dolphin Centre
Price: Free More Info: samanthaprewettphotography.co.uk
Victoria Education Trust
Spring Faye & Car Show
Birds of Prey, stalls and crafts Plus a selection of cars available for ‘Dream Rides’ – 100% of donations for the passenger ride go to deserving Children’s Charities
Date: 11/05/25 Time: 10am-4pm
Location: Victoria Education Centre, Lindsay Road
Price: Donations
More Info: victoria.poole.sch.uk/
Magic Of Thailand Festival
Treat yourself to a weekend wonder and bring along your families and friends to experience a touch of Thai culture.
Date: 17/05/25 – 18/05/25 Time: 10:00-7:00pm
Location: Harbourside (Baiter) Park – Poole
Price: Adult (15 or over) – £5.00 and Children (under 15) – free
More Info: magicofthailand.co.uk/
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IMS Group, one of the regions leading publishing and distribution companies is urgently seeking door to door distributors in your area. It’s a great way to keep fit whilst also earning some extra cash.
IMS Group, one of the regions leading publishing and distribution companies is urgently seeking door to door distributors in your area. It’s a great way to keep fit whilst also earning some extra cash.
IMS Group, one of the regions leading publishing and distribution companies is urgently seeking door to door distributors in your area. It’s a great way to keep fit whilst also earning some extra cash.
If you are honest and reliable and would like to earn some extra money delivering magazines or leaflets with flexible hours to suit you, then please contact us for more information and an application form or visit our website: www.ims-group.co.uk/news/distributor-application-form/ “Earn pounds while you lose pounds!”
If you are honest and reliable and would like to earn some extra money delivering magazines or leaflets with flexible hours to suit you, then please contact us for more information and an application form or visit our website: www.ims-group.co.uk/news/distributor-application-form/
IMS Group, one of the regions leading publishing and distribution companies is urgently seeking door to door distributors in your area. It’s a great way to keep fit whilst also earning some extra cash.
If you are honest and reliable and would like to earn some extra money delivering magazines or leaflets with flexible hours to suit you, then please contact us for more information and an application form or visit our website: www.ims-group.co.uk/news/distributor-application-form/
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If you are honest and reliable and would like to earn some extra money delivering magazines or leaflets with flexible hours to suit you, then please contact us for more information and an application form or visit our website:
If you are honest and reliable and would like to earn some extra money delivering magazines or leaflets with flexible hours to suit you, then please contact us for more information and an application form or visit our website: www.ims-group.co.uk/news/distributor-application-form/ “Earn pounds while you lose pounds!”
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www.ims-group.co.uk
TEL: 01202 611 100
TEL: 01202 611 100
www.ims-group.co.uk
After more than 60 years of service, St Mary’s Maternity Unit in Poole is set to close its doors for the last time, and University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) is inviting local families to come and say a final farewell.
Taking place on Saturday 5 April, 10am-1pm, members of the public are welcome to visit areas of the unit and join maternity and neonatal staff members for a trip down memory lane, helping colleagues celebrate the place and its people where an estimated 250,000 babies have been welcomed into the world since the unit’s opening in 1961.
Along with access to areas of Antenatal, Haven Birthing Suite, and Labour Ward, guests will also have an opportunity to find out about the future of UHD’s maternity services which will be located in the new BEACH (Births, Emergency and Critical care and children’s Health) Building on the Royal Bournemouth Hospital site.
Kerry Taylor, UHD’S Head of Midwifery and Neonatal Services, said: “We are so excited to be moving to the BEACH Building but acknowledge that many local families and staff from the past and present will be sad to see the doors to St Mary’s Maternity Unit close for a final time.”
“We are delighted to give people the opportunity to come and reminisce, sharing the memories they have from their time in the building before joining us to say a fond farewell to St Mary’s.”
The event will take place at St Mary’s Maternity Unit, St Mary’s Road, Poole, BH15 2BH.
KerryTaylor. UHD's Head of Midwifery and Neonatal Services
Refreshments will be available on the day and no booking is required; families are welcome to attend between the hours of 10am-1pm, and to be mindful of limited parking available.
For more information about the BEACH Building, visit maternitymattersdorset.nhs.uk/beach/
To find out more about all the changes happening across UHD, please visit www.uhd.nhs.uk
After more than 60 years of service, we’ll be saying a fond farewell to St Mary’s Maternity Unit in April 2025 ahead of our Maternity and Neonatal Team moving to the BEACH Building in April 2025. UHD asked local families to share their photos on social media and to the right are a few of the highlights.
penalties for carrying knives. It’s not just the town centre though, neighbourhoods across Bournemouth West are experiencing issues and they can make residents’ lives a misery.
BHL: In a recent commons debate on 30 Jan 2025 you spoke in support of Westbourne Post Office, an issue that is affecting many Post Offices and not just in your constituency. Are you able to update our readers on this and any progress you have made in saving the Post Office?
JT: I launched a campaign last year to save Westbourne Post Office when it was earmarked for closure by Post Office Ltd. My petition secured 2,000 signatures in a matter of weeks and unearthed countless heartfelt
messages from the many people who rely on that much-loved local branch – people for whom it is a ‘lifeline’ or their link to the outside world. And from local businesses relying on it on a daily basis.
I’ve since met with Ministers and the CEO of Post Office Ltd to try and find a solution to ensure those services remain available to the community. They will be putting forward a proposal at the end of the month and I’ll be responding to that when we know the detail of it. I want to ensure that we maintain the high quality, accessible service we have in Westbourne.
I’ve also spoken to them about the Post Office closure in Bournemouth Town Centre which has left a big hole for local businesses, residents and visitors. I’m working with the Town Centre BID to ensure we get a fullservice Post Office back in the town centre where it is needed.
BHL: We understand the government is looking into High Street Rental Auctions, we also note your input in the debate on 26 February this year. With the decline in the High Streets across BCP, not just in Bournemouth West, how do you see this benefiting our area? If indeed you feel it is needed in our area?
JT: Like many town centres up and down the country, Bournemouth’s high street has been hit by the move to online shopping and addition of out-of-town retail parks. Large retail brands have left and we have far too many empty shops – which has a knock-on effect on the shops that remain, reducing footfall.
The Government has taken swift action to help revive town centres with the
introduction of High Street Rental Auctions (HSRAs), which I’m very pleased that BCP Council is an early adopter of. It means that if a shop is empty for long enough (a year) the council can compel the landlord to let it out or hold a rental auction for the highest bidder. This has the potential to open up prime location high street shops for smaller businesses and community organisations. This could be transformative for Bournemouth, but ultimately this should be a measure of last resort. The council and local landlords and agents need to work proactively together to fill empty shops.
More broadly, we need to reimagine our town centres and high streets to make sure that they meet local residents’ aspirations. This means moving away from shopping only to experiences and community spaces, alongside more traditional hospitality and retail.
BHL: Again looking at not only your constituency but all of the BCP area do you feel that with BCP NOT being included within the Dorset or Hampshire Devolution plans, it may put our local economy at a disadvantage, particularly with our Port, Airport, Rail and Road connections possibly missing out on government money?
JT: There is a risk that by not being included in the priority Hampshire devolution plan that we miss out on some of the economic and connectivity advantages. The Wessex plan was rejected and not included in the priority list as it was not developed enough.
Regardless of this, all our BCP MPs will continue to champion BCP as a strategically important region and ensure that the particular challenges we face are heard and addressed.
BHL: In addition to your work as a local MP many may not be aware that you are also a PPS (Parliamentary Private Secretary) to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office. What does this role involve and can you see it perhaps helping to further the awareness of Bournemouth particularly in trade promotion?
JT: It was a great honour to be asked by the Prime Minister to serve in the new government as a PPS. PPSs provide the link between Ministers and Parliament. I work directly with the Foreign Secretary and the Ministerial team to build their relationships with other MPs and support them to prepare when they give statements or respond to questions in the House of Commons. It has been a tumultuous time around the world with the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, the humanitarian crises in Sudan and Syria and with the election of Trump in the US – so there has been plenty to do.
One quirk of the job is that I am not allowed to speak publicly on any foreign affairs issues nor support legislation that isn’t government business. We do our best to explain this to residents.
Regardless of this role, I take any chance I can to promote Bournemouth as an investment and tourism destination. We have so much going for us from our amazing natural beauty and diverse communities to our burgeoning tech and creative industries.
BHL: Whilst the local airport in not directly in your constituency, many of our readers will be aware of the rapid expansion that the airport is currently seeing with over 1.2 million passengers expected to travel through the airport this year. Do you think the airport expansion a good thing balanced against the environmental impact it will have?
JT: For many people in Bournemouth West, the convenience of travelling from
Bournemouth Airport saves a 6-hour round trip to one of the bigger London airports and is a much simpler, less overwhelming experience than at large airports. But perhaps even more importantly, airports play a role in local economies and growth. The airport itself employs almost 300 local people and connects us with the world.
This government has a mission to become a clean energy superpower by 2030 and grow our economy by investing in the industries of the future. I am interested to see how we can support innovation in the aviation industry in areas like sustainable aviation fuels and enhanced air traffic control management, of which we have some world-leading companies in Bournemouth.
BHL: Speaking about Trade and Commerce in Bournemouth, the government have spoken a lot about the need to grow the economy and that this is central to their plans to improve the lives of UK citizens. How do you see the local economy growing and how will we attract businesses to set up in Bournemouth?
JT: Bournemouth has a booming creative industry sector and not long ago was named the best place to start a small business. We have innovation hubs and world-leading technology and research, and what’s more we have the quality beaches and outdoor spaces for a good work life balance to attract and retain talent. A recent Centre for Cities report reveals that Bournemouth actually beats Bristol, Southampton and Portsmouth when it came to cutting edge industry. That means we have a greater, proven ability to attract and grow innovative, cutting-edge businesses that influence wider prosperity. I see examples of this every week and want to encourage more.
BHL: Do you work closely with BCP Council so that resident’s interests and the unique issues that affect us are represented properly at Westminster?
JT: With a clear focus on reviving the town centre, I’ve been working more closely with, and encouraging, BCP Council to bring a range of residents’ voices and ideas together for a shared town centre vision that we can all work towards – something currently
lacking. I am meeting regularly with council leaders and officers to ensure we keep momentum on this and achieve, together with partners, what the council or I cannot do alone.
I recently
brought together
the council, police, BID and design experts for International Women’s Day to discuss women’s safety and what more could be done, and I’m hosting
town hall events to hear concerns and ideas – which I’m sharing with the council.
I’m regularly speaking up for Bournemouth in Parliament, through written questions, speeches and conversations with colleagues – including the Prime Minister and other Ministers. This is something I will continue to do. I also share relevant government policy with the local council, police and organisations it impacts. For example, I met with the BID, businesses and landlords at the start of the year to discuss HRSAs [High Street Rental Auctions] and what it means for them, and will be working with the council to identify a suitable area to pilot the first round next year.
BHL: Finally Jessica, what do you hope to have achieved for the people of Bournemouth by the time the next general election comes around in 2029/2030?
JT: The key question for me is, by the time of the next general election, do the majority of people in Bournemouth feel that they and their families are better off that at the last election. Do they feel more hopeful about the future and the prospects for their kids and grandkids. And do they feel a renewed sense of pride in our town and local area.
If they do, then that will feel like a success to me.
• No longer able to drive? • Selling the car of a lost loved one? • Looking for a trusted local company to purchase your car?
• We have built our own solar farm that is large enough to generate all the electricity required by our cremators
Our cremators contain filters to remove harmful Nitric gases that are produced during the cremation process; we are the only crematorium in Dorset to do this
During the cremation process, small quantities of metals are recovered. These are collected and recycled, with all of the proceeds going to local charities*
• We are developing a Home Farm in the fields surrounding Harbour View
• We forage much of the floral material that our florists require to make the tributes for your loved-ones and everything that is left over is either re-cycled or composted
• We have our own chickens and bees, providing us with home grown produce for our after-funeral catering
* Recently we donated £34,000 to three local hospices. This donation was funded entirely by our metal recovery programme.
