Full steam ahead for Poole Park Railway

The popular Poole Park Railway reopened in October 2022, much to the delight of locals. Featuring a new track, spacious engine shed and 32-capacity, wheelchair-accessible carriages, the reopening was a long anticipated ocassion for many residents keen to see the railway running again for the first time following its closure in 2018. Karen Rampling, a local mum of three boys said “I remember my parents bringing me to the railway when I was just six years old and it’s become an important part of the park. I was sad to see it close but thrilled to now see it reopen again. It was just as good as I remember it being and the boys loved it!”

Find out more at poolepark.uk/poole-park-railway/

Get involved in the local conversation

Got an itch you need to scratch? Get involved in the conversation about the local issues that matter to you. The council hold live online Q&A sessions so, if something matters to you, take part in one of their regular sessions. Ask questions of councillors on hand to respond to concerns on issues that impact you.

Eyes to the skies

The skies above our region are famed for spectacular flying displays of aircraft wowing the crowds at Bournemouth Air Festival. Last summer an equally thrilling site lifted off – the first osprey chicks to hatch in southern England for 200 years.

A conservation project is restoring these striking fish-eating birds to their former haunts in Poole Harbour - one of the most environmentally rich areas in the country. This summer, why not visit the new look out point at Ham Common for some osprey spotting, you might also be lucky enough to see other harbour stars from giant white-tailed eagles to elegant spoonbills.

Better buses for BCP residents

The Department for Transport (DfT) is helping local councils with a Bus Service Improvement Plan with the intention of making buses more frequent, more reliable and better value for money. BCP Council is part of the scheme which gives them access to government funding and support for local services. The council’s aim is that by working with bus operators and getting noticeable benefits it will increase the number of people travelling by bus.

These sessions are broadcast on BCP Council’s social media channels including YouTube, facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Join the conversation facebook.com/myBCPcouncil

Elections May 2023 – Don’t forget your ID

Voters in the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area will need to show an accepted form of photographic identification at this year’s local elections in May. The requirement to show photo ID at the polling station is a new condition, introduced under the UK Government’s Elections Act, which comes into effect this May

Find out more at: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ elections

Proposals include measures to speed up buses, to reduce journey times and improve punctuality, increase bus frequencies on some routes, and encourage competitive offers on fares.

Find out more bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ busstrategy

Council to continue free water refill stations after 2022 success

19,000 single-use plastic bottles were saved from ending up in the bin during July last year thanks to BCP Council’s “Turning the Tide” project with City to Sea. 150 free water refill stations can now be found along the seafront to help reduce the use of plastic bottles on the seafront with the scheme continuing through 2023.

Eye catching mural takes shape in Poole

A mural inspired by the work of Philip Henry Gosse now features on a formerly plain gable end at New Orchard in Poole. This is thanks to a partnership between BCP Council, Poole BID and the Historic England Heritage Action Zone.

Council to clamp down on littering

From spring this year, people caught littering in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will receive a £75 fine, increasing to £150 if not paid within 14 days. Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) will be issued to anyone aged of 18, who is caught littering.

Alongside this, the council’s Environment Teams are working with local primary schools to develop an Environment Award scheme to help promote positive messages to school children to respect the area around them and encourage environmentally conscious behaviours.

Plans on track to build more local homes for local people says council

BCP Council’s aim to deliver 15,000 new homes across our three towns for people of all incomes is on track claims the council with over 1,400 built or in planning stages. Last December 14 four-bedroom homes at Moorside Road in West Howe were completed and are now let to local families in housing need. This spring the council are opening 22 new affordable, low-energy homes in Alice Gardens in Poole.

Parkstone lifesavers

A life-saving defibrillator was installed on the public toilets in Ashely Cross, Parkstone last summer, due to the fundraising efforts of local resident Coreen Barnett with support from local Parkstone Ward Councillor Ann Stribley.

A further four defibrillators are now being installed around Parkstone, thanks to Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding secured by fellow Parkstone Ward Councillor Steve Baron.

Street cleansing team

Did you know?

Chewing gum is made of single use plastic!

Family hubs

Thanks to further support from government to the tune of £883,000, BCP Council are setting up ‘one-stop’ family hubs to support families. Children’s centres will be transformed into family hubs offering support to children from pre-birth up to 25-years-old and local families. The family hub transformation funding will help to achieve the council’s vision for connected communities and brighter futures for children, young people and their families.

Find out more and get involved bcpcouncil.gov.uk/ familyhubtransformation

Smallest library

A community room at the region’s smallest library is bringing people together. Ensbury Park opened a small garden room last September, after funding from Enpals charity, BCP Council and the Talbot Village Trust. It is now used as a warm space on Thursday afternoons and is open to book clubs and Lego clubs.

These defibrillators, which will be installed at Parkstone Library, The Bermuda Triangle Public House, Willow Park and Seaview Kiosk, could help save a person’s life when they’re suffering a cardiac arrest, with time being of the essence.

£329

5000 leaflets printed and delivered to 5000 homes from just £299 per thousand