Christchurch Courier Spring 2019

Christchurch Courier

Spring 2019

Skate Park Improvements

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Contents

Leader’s Message

In This Edition

Councillor David Flagg

Since my last message I have seen lots of fantastic work being carried out across the borough. Great progress is being made on the Highcliffe Castle zig zag path. I thank everyone who has played their part ensuring that this project is now nearing completion.

The progress on the path also complements the amazing transformation taking place in the East Wing at Highcliffe Castle. Heritage Lottery Funding means that new areas of the Castle, that haven’t been accessible for over 50 years, are being reopened to the public.

The Community and Recreation Team continue to ensure that the £1.2m Play Project for Christchurch is delivered.

This investment by Christchurch Borough Council will bene昀t all families across the borough.

Spring will see the incredible Christchurch Food Festival return in May and Burton Veteran’s Parade and Highcliffe Food Festival take place in

The Team Editor: Melanie Baldwin, Acting Communications and PR Manager communications@ christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk Assistant Editors: Melissa McCormick and Andy Millard, Communications O cers

June. We are lucky that Christchurch has so many special events that return every year due to the continued support of so many enthusiastic volunteers.

This April will also see the creation of two new local councils for Christchurch. The election to these will take place on Thursday 2 May, the same day as you will elect the 昀rst councillors of BCP Council. You can read more about the elections and how you can register to vote on page 11 in this magazine.

With sadness, this will be the 昀nal Christchurch Courier magazine and my last message to you as Leader of Christchurch Borough Council.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all residents the very best for the future and thank all those who have supported me as the 昀nal Leader of Christchurch Borough Council. This council will leave a lasting legacy which I am incredibly proud of 

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Skate park revamp

10 12 14 15

Christchurch

Your bin collections Zig zag path update A day in the life of….

What’s on in Christchurch

Food Festival

Design: Alison Bartlett, Graphic Designer Print: IMS Group Printed on: Christchurch Courier is environmentally friendly and printed on paper sourced from sustainable forests, using vegetable based inks.

Distribution: IMS Group

Keep In Touch You will receive your next o cial council magazine from BCP Council in early July 2019.

If you can’t wait until then to 昀nd out what’s going on there are lots of other ways to keep up-to-date.

For news and events follow us on Twitter. @cb_edd_councils

All information within this magazine is correct at the time of going to print (25 February 2019) but is subject to change.

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For news and events follow us on Twitter.

News

@cb_edd_councils

History restored at Highcliffe Castle On Friday 5 April, the brand new East Wing at Highcliffe Castle will be opening to the public after 18 months of extensive renovations.

Prior to the grand opening in April, the East Wing has only been accessible as part of a special ‘Behind the Scenes’ guided tour, but soon all visitors will be able to see the exciting updates to the East Wing.

The East Wing will include furniture on display from the family’s original collection, loaned from the V&A Museum.

There will also be a fun-昀lled activity room perfect for families to enjoy on their visit.

The interpretation boards throughout the castle have been updated and the volunteers will help to guide you back in time on a journey through the castle’s rich history.

The opening of the East Wing will be marked with an o cial event in May. Details will be posted on their website and social media channels.

The castle looks forward to welcoming you 

@HighcliffeC 4

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@HighcliffeCastle1

@highcliffecastle

East Wing

News

Time capsule

Katie Ingham, Stuart Harrison - Greendale Construction Ltd and Tim Martin - Context Engineering

buried in oven A time capsule has been buried inside the oven of the kitchen at Highcliffe Castle. The Count Rumford Oven, which is no longer in working order, is part of the original kitchen layout and dates back to when the castle was 昀rst built in the 1830s. The oven has recently undergone careful repair and preservation along with an Eagle range which is also situated in the kitchen.

The team involved in the restoration work decided that the oven would be an ideal place for a time capsule and would leave a legacy of the present-day.

The contents in the time capsule include: Castle memorabilia and literature, as well as current money and photos of the project team who worked on the development of the East Wing.

Katie Ingham, Heritage Team Leader at Highcliffe Castle said, “We decided to mark this recent phase of the work to the castle by burying a time capsule for a future generation to discover. This is an exciting time for the castle and its team and we are looking forward to the opening of the East Wing from early April onwards, with an o cial opening in May 2019.” 

Tree planting at Highcliffe Castle

Does Highcliffe Castle and Rothesay Park hold special memories for you?

Why not make a contribution to help develop the Highcliffe Castle landscape?

By sponsoring their tree planting scheme at Highcliffe Castle you will be helping to maintain and improve the castle grounds, open spaces and woodlands.

Tree sponsorship costs £125 and as a tree sponsor the Castle will add your name and chosen message to their

sponsorship book, which will form part of their archive, meaning your sponsorship will have a lasting record for years to come.

For more information please contact Highcliffe Castle on 01425 278807, email enquiries@highcliffecastle.co.uk or visit highcliffecastle.co.uk 

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News

Skate Park Two Riversmeet Skate Park in Christchurch will bene昀t from major improvements during 2019.

Christchurch Borough Council has been working with Maverick Industries, based in Poole, on this project which forms part of the £1.2m the council are investing in play provision in Christchurch.

Last month, skate park users were invited to the Civic O ces so they could see design proposals and give their feedback. Over 40 young people turned up to the event, presented by Maverick Industries, and gave their views on what they want to see at their skate park.

Rebecca Whelan-Edmonds, Community and Recreation O cer, Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, said: “We’re really pleased to be working with the experts at Maverick Industries on this project.

They have installed some of the

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Revamp

best skate parks in the UK and they really push the boundaries to ensure that skate park users have a great experience in their parks.”

Cllr Paul Hilliard, who also attended the event, said: “The engagement session was really successful and it was great to see the Civic O ces full of so many engaged young adults. We received some really positive contributions from the skate park community and I can’t wait to see the work begin.”

For more information visit facebook.com/2RiversmeetArena or email play@christchurchand eastdorset.gov.uk 

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News

BCP Council – coming soon From April, the four councils currently serving Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will be replaced by one new council responsible for all local government services for the area.

We will be known as BCP Council.

We’ve been working hard to make this signi昀cant change to local government happen. Our focus is to achieve a safe and smooth transfer of services to BCP Council, so that on day one - 1 April, you notice as little difference as possible. This means our priority is to ensure all legal, constitutional and 昀nancial requirements are met and your services continue to be provided as normal.

What does this mean for you?

This is a big change for us but please don’t worry as you shouldn’t notice any major changes to your council services.

Your bins will be collected as usual, you’ll still be able to visit the library and we’ll continue to maintain roads, public spaces and more. Most services will operate just as they were before, unless we advise you otherwise. If we do need you to do anything differently, our services will contact you directly about any changes.

You will also continue to pay for your services in the usual way. If you pay your council tax by Direct Debit, this will be automatically taken care of. This will appear as BCP Council on your bank statement, as will any other payments you make or receive from the council.

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You will recognise BCP Council by this logo. A logo helps ensure we are visible and accountable to you, our residents and customers. We are being extremely cost-conscious about how this change is introduced, so you will still see some old council logos for some time yet. If you are worried that any council staff visiting you or any communication sent to you is not genuine, please contact us to check the details.

Why is the change happening and what are the bene昀ts?

One council will provide greater opportunities for business, growth and prosperity across our area. BCP Council can more easily plan and bid for extra funding for things like housing, roads and schools. Plus, this change will: • save money • protect services (such as social care, road maintenance, parks, libraries and more) • help to eliminate duplication and waste • result in fewer councillors • mean less management and back-o ce staff are needed

Councillors and local democracy The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area will be made up of 33 wards with 76 elected councillors to represent residents. Elections to the BCP Council take place on 2 May. Voting is your way of in昀uencing who runs the new council.

If you’re registered to vote, you will be sent a polling card before the election - look out for details of your polling station as this may have changed. If you have not already registered to vote, you need to register online at: gov.uk/ register-to-vote, before 12 April.

News

Panoramic visual of the coastline

Council Tax and spending plans The 2019/20 budget for local services in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole was approved by councillors at the BCP Shadow Authority on 21 February. Local services are funded by a combination of business rates, Council Tax, service fees and charges, plus other income.

If you haven’t already received your Council Tax bill, it will be arriving shortly. Your bill will detail your Council Tax payment options. For details about BCP Council’s budget and 昀nances, visit our website bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ counciltax.

What happens after 1 April?

Day one is just the 昀rst day of the new council. Once it exists as a single organisation, more work will take place to reduce ine ciencies, eliminate duplication and raise our game and ambition for the whole BCP Council area.

Graham Farrant, Chief Executive of BCP Council said: “With the creation of the new council comes a great opportunity to completely rethink what a 21st century local authority should be and how it should operate in order to best engage with, serve the interests of, and ensure we provide high quality services to our residents, businesses and visitors.”

FROM 1 APRIL If you have any questions about adult social care please phone 01202 454979 or visit mylifemycare.com.

If you are concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a young person in Christchurch you can call the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 01202 735046.

If you want to speak to the School Admissions Team for a school place in September 2019 (Year groups Reception, Year 3 or Year 7) please call 01305 221060. For all other applications, enquiries or questions please call 01202 456223.

To renew or apply for a new Concessionary Bus Pass call 01202 634249 or email transportation@ bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

Remember, for most services, it’s ‘business as usual’. Your bins will still be collected and your collection days are not changing. You can read more about Dorset Waste Partnership continuing to collect waste in Christchurch on page 10 of this magazine.

BCP Council news Graham Farrant

How do I contact BCP Council?

In most cases you’ll be able to contact the council in the same way you do now – whether online, by phone, email or in person.

However, some services currently provided by Dorset County Council in Christchurch will soon be delivered by BCP Council.

If you’re already signed up to receive email news from Christchurch Borough Council, you will automatically receive emails from BCP Council sent from 1 April.

However, if you aren’t, and you would like to start receiving enewsletters from your new council, please sign up at bcpcouncil.gov.uk.

If you have any questions about the new BCP Council, please visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk or call 01202 795000.

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News

Beach Clean Success Over one hundred people took part in a recent beach clean at Friars Cliff, which saw over 40 bags of rubbish gathered.

The event, organised by Friars Cliff Beach Clean, is the 昀rst of six which take place throughout the year.

Graham Higley from Friars Cliff Beach Clean, said: “Our volunteers have showed great enthusiasm and continue to turn out in all weathers. The real positive from the 昀rst event of 2019, was that we had over 30 new litter pickers join us.

“It really is good fun and everyone who takes part enjoys doing something practical for their community, especially where you can immediately see the bene昀t.”

Cllr Claire Bath, Mudeford and Friars Cliff Ward, who took part in the beach clean, said: “It was brilliant to meet so

many local people, who care about our wonderful coastal environment, getting involved to maintain the unspoilt beauty of Mudeford beaches.

“Bringing people together in a healthy activity for something we all care about is a re昀ection of the fantastic community and area we are lucky enough to live in. I’d like to thank the Friars Cliff Beach Clean group for organising this event, the Beach Hut Café who gave free tea and coffee to all the litter pickers and to everyone who took part.”

The next beach cleans at Friars Cliff are set to take place on Sunday 14 April and Sunday 26 May at 10.30am.

For more information, or to express your interest in helping, please email friarscliff.beachcare@gmail.com 

Your Bin Collections From 1 April 2019, the Dorset Waste Partnership will continue to collect household waste in Christchurch. You will continue to receive the same service as you do now, which means that your bin collection dates will not change.

The Dorset Waste Partnership will provide this service in Christchurch for 12 months, until the end of March 2020, on behalf of BCP Council - the new unitary authority for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

You do not need to do anything different. Your rubbish and recycling will

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continue to be collected as it is now.

The Dorset Waste Partnership will also continue to provide commercial waste services in Christchurch, along with street cleaning and garden waste services. They will also continue to manage the Christchurch Household Recycling Centre in Wilverley Road, Somerford, where the opening hours and service will also remain unchanged.

To check your bin day, report a missed bin collection, or contact Dorset Waste Partnership, visit - dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/ recycle 

Your Councillors Christchurch Borough Council is made up of 24 democratically elected members representing 11 wards. Further details can be found at dorsetforyou.gov.uk/councillors

28 The 昀nal Full Council meeting of Christchurch Borough Council takes place on Thursday 28 March 2019 at 6pm. This meeting will be held at The Civic O ces, Christchurch.

News

Two new local councils for Christchurch Following the decisions made at Christchurch Borough Council’s Full Council meeting in December last year, work progresses for preparation of the two new councils in Christchurch; • Christchurch Town Council • Highcliffe and Walkford Neighbourhood Council This means, from 1 April 2019, there will then be four town/parish councils serving Christchurch, as Burton Parish Council, which will be renamed Burton and Winkton Parish Council, and Hurn Parish Council will continue to serve their communities as they do now.

Council Tax bills will be issued by BCP Council during March 2019. The precepts payable by residents for town/parish councils will be collected by BCP Council and then disseminated to the relevant town/parish council.

Councillors will be elected to these new councils on Thursday 2 May. Polling cards and postal votes will be sent out in April, but you can make sure you’re registered to vote by visiting gov.uk/register-to-vote 

 Christchurch Town Council have con昀rmed the appointment of Daniel Lucas as the new Town Clerk for Christchurch.

Daniel Lucas

Daniel Lucas, the current Principal Planning Lawyer for Christchurch and East Dorset Councils, will take up the position on 1 April 2019.

Speaking about his appointment, Daniel said: “I am really looking forward to this new challenge.

Christchurch is a wonderful town, steeped in history and heritage, and I am very proud to have been appointed to this position.

“I’m looking forward to supporting the ambitions of the new Town Council, which will provide a strong voice for Christchurch residents.” 

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News

Highcliffe Castle zig zag

The project to repair the zig zag path in Highcliffe is progressing well, with works set to be completed in time for Easter.

Cllr Vicki Hallam, Chair of the Highcliffe Zig Zag Task and Finish Group, said: “I am so pleased with the progress made and I can’t wait to see the path being used again by the residents of Highcliffe and visitors. It has been a di cult project, with a lot of technical work required, and Earlcoate Construction has done a fantastic job to keep to the original schedule, especially during the winter months.

“I would also like to give sincere thanks to Stewarts Garden

Centres in Christchurch for fully supporting this project and providing the planting. This aspect of the project will be the 昀nishing touch.”

This project has been funded by Christchurch Borough Council and the Government’s Coastal Community Fund.

For more information on this project and the Dorset Coastal Connections portfolio please visit dorsetcoasthaveyoursay.co.uk or call 01305 224833 

Have you been to the library recently?

If not, why not visit your local library when you are next in Christchurch or Highcliffe.

The two libraries in the Christchurch area provide a wide range of popular services from toddler rhyme time sessions to internet access for all, reading groups to crafts and reminiscence. You can borrow interesting books, get help going online with local Digital Champions, download e-books and magazines, and join a reading group. The Friends of 12

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Christchurch and Highcliffe Libraries also organise a programme of talks and events.

From 1 April, BCP Council will provide library services in Christchurch. Despite this change, you shouldn’t notice any difference in the service you receive. You can continue to use and enjoy the library services as you do now.

Your current library card will still be valid and the opening times will not change 

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A Day

A day in the life of...

i n

t h e

l i f e

Lillian Broad Trainee Democratic Services O cer

o f . . .

What does your job involve?

My job is really varied as I provide support to both the Democratic Services Department and the Elections Team. It can vary daily; from helping people in Christchurch get registered to vote, to supporting and clerking Christchurch Borough Council committee meetings.

What is the best thing about your job?

I have a role which means that I get to work with staff from various departments in the council and by attending meetings I have increased my knowledge of local government.

I joined the council in 2017 as an apprentice, so when my apprenticeship came to an end I was thrilled that a future opportunity was available to me.

What are you looking forward to over the next few months?

I am looking forward to the elections in May. These will be the 昀rst elections under the new Unitary Council, with elections for Town and Parish Councils in Christchurch being held at the same time. It will be a busy time I’m sure, but I’m really looking forward to being involved  Make sure you’re registered to vote by visiting gov.uk/register-to-vote by the 12 April 2019

Contact Us Customer Services

Business Rates

Planning Applications

01202 795000 customer-services@ christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk

01202 634233 svpp@poole.gov.uk

01202 795000 planningadmin@ christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk

Council Tax 03450 344569 svpp@poole.gov.uk

Recycling/Refuse & Missed Bin

01202 495252

Garden Waste

01305 221040 dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/missedbin

Building Control

01305 221040 dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/gardenwaste

Street Lighting

01202 795021 buildingcontrol@ christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk

Highcliffe Castle

0800 0684145 lightsonindorset@ ssecontracting.com

Automated Payment Line

Bus Passes 03003 301201 (until 31 March 2019) 01202 634249 (from 1 April 2019) transportation@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

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01425 278807 enquiries@highcliffecastle.co.uk

Housing & Council Tax Bene昀ts 03450 344569 svpp@poole.gov.uk

Two Riversmeet Leisure Complex 01202 477987 2rmenquiries@ christchurchandeastdorset.gov.uk

Going for Growth

Going for Growth The Christchurch and East Dorset Economic Development team has been working in partnership with local businesses, schools, training providers and investors with the aim of sustaining an active and prosperous local economy.

In line with the Councils’ Growth Strategy, they have supported businesses of all sizes from many different sectors and they have always recognised that the future growth of the local economy is signi昀cantly dependent upon the development of the workforce of tomorrow.

Supporting good relationships between Christchurch schools, universities and training providers, is essential and they have actively contributed to the development of these relationships.

The team would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported and contributed to their events and projects in Christchurch.

The Economic Development staff now look forward to working with many new partners and businesses as part of the new BCP Council from 1 April 

What’s on in Christchurch

April Thursday 11

Jimmy’s Iced Coffee Presents: Forrest Gump (12A) The Regent Centre | 8pm Saturday 13

A Night at the Opera!

by The Grange Choral Society Christchurch Priory | 7.30pm

Rob Palmer, The Grange School; Lisette Bugsel, Bruno Smith and Karen Moss from Curtiss-Wright; Paula Sales and Duncan Newman from Christchurch and East Dorset Councils.

May

June

Sunday 5

Saturday 1 - Sunday 2

Holistic and Wellbeing Show

Highcliffe Food Festival

Highcliffe Castle | 10.30am - 4pm

Highcliffe (various locations)

Saturday 11 - Sunday 12

Monday 3 - Saturday 8

Christchurch Food Festival Market and Village

CADArts Living Crafts Exhibition Christchurch Priory

Christchurch High Street and Quay Thursday 6 - Saturday 8 Friday 24

Circus Starr Stanpit Recreation Ground 4.45pm and 7pm

Keep Smiling Through - A Celebration for the 75th Anniversary of D-Day The Regent Centre | 2pm and 7pm

www.circus-starr.org.uk

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9

Telephone 01202 485804 to book

Friday 24 - Sunday 26

Cheese and Chilli Festival

Bournemouth 7s Festival East Parley, Christchurch

Hurn Bridge Equestrian Centre, Hurn 10am - 5pm

Saturday 25 - Monday 27

Sunday 9

Mudeford Seafood Festival

Easter at the Castle

Mudeford Quay

Burton Armed Forces and Veterans Day

Highcliffe Castle | 10.30am - 3.30pm

www.mudefordseafoodfestival.co.uk

Burton Village Green

Sunday 14

Classic Cars Christchurch Quay | 11am - 5pm Thursday 18 - Monday 22

For news and events follow us on Twitter

@cb_edd_councils

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