Local News

The South West sees second largest population growth in UK

On 21 March 2021 England and Wales took part in ‘Census Day’ which aims to offer vital information to government and other organisations about population, economic and social trends across the country. The latest 2021 census information was released by the Office for National Statistics (The ONS) at the end of June 2022 which confirmed England & Wales largest ever population. The official population of England and Wales was 59,597,300. Although the population as a whole increased, the rate of growth has slowed slightly to 6.6% growth in ten years compared to 7.8% growth between 2011 and 2021. Changes in the size of the population are caused by births, deaths, and internal and international migration. Using data on live births and deaths registrations, as well as migration estimates, can provide a more detailed understanding of population change since 2011. Monthly data shows that from April 2011 until the end of March 2021 there were 6.8 million live births and 5.3 million deaths registered in England and Wales. This represents a natural increase of approximately 1.5 million residents. The remainder of the population growth (approximately 2.0 million residents or 57.5% of total population increase) is because of positive net migration into England and Wales.

The population has continued to grow every 10 years since 1801 when just 8.9 million people were recorded, with the only exception being between 1971 and 1981 which saw an overall decrease of 200,000 people.

If you’ve just finished your spring cleaning and ebay or gumtree don’t want your unwanted pre-loved items, a trip to the tip may be the only option. But if you’re wondering how long the queues are for your local recycling centre why not download the BCP Tip Check app before you leave home to see how busy it is? The useful app recently launched by BCP Council includes live information about current queues as well as the opening hours and services available at each site so you can choose a quieter time to visit and beat the queues!

Population growth in our area

The population grew in each of the nine regions of England, and also in Wales, between 2011 and 2021. The region with the highest population growth was the East of England, which increased by 8.3% from 2011 (a gain of approximately 488,000 people). Next highest were the South West (which grew by 7.8%, a gain of approximately 412,000 people)

Wondering if the local Tip is busy?

Check before you leave with BCP’s new ‘Tip-Check’ app

Strictly star helps charity golf day raise nearly £20,000 for local hospice

A charity golf day organised by Simplify Consulting and sponsored by Rodford Engineering has raised over £19,000 for Forest Holme Hospice in Poole. Held on one of the hottest days of the year so far, a total of 164 golfers took part in the event at Bramshaw Golf Club in the New Forest, which included professional dancer Kai Widdrington from Strictly Come Dancing, plus a number of golf pros. Paul Coyte, breakfast time broadcaster on TalkSPORT, hosted the day which included a Beat the Pro game, raffle and auction of sporting prizes including a signed Ronnie O’Sullivan snooker cue and Premium Hospitality tickets to a Premier League game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Kate Monserrate and Carl Woodward, Co-Founders and Directors at Simplify Consulting, said, “We are always amazed at the generosity and kindness shown by each and every golfer in supporting our day and for this year helping us to raise an amazing amount for Forest Holme Hospice Charity.” Forest Holme Hospice provides palliative and end-of-life care and support to more than 1,500 people each year with advanced cancer and other life-limiting illnesses across Poole, Wimborne and the Isle of Purbeck. However, due to an increase in patient referrals of over 40% year on year, the Charity now needs to raise at least £1million annually to ensure these services help to meet the evergrowing need within the local community.

International restaurant ratings site awards The Guildhall Tavern best restaurant in Poole

Poole’s Guildhall Tavern in the Old High Street has recently received high praise fand a ‘Best Restaurant in Poole award from international restaurant ratings site Restaurant Guru. The website exists to helps travellers and gourmet lovers to find the best places to eat local food. About The Guildhall Tavern the site says “The gracious staff work hard, stay positive and make this place great. Service at this restaurant is something one can call spectacular"

Dorset Heart Clinic rated as ‘good’ in latest CQC report

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has awarded Dorset Heart Clinic the overall rating of “good” in their first report of the independent healthcare provider since its foundation in 2017. The clinic provides private cardiology services to people living in Dorset and the surrounding counties using the facilities provided by University Hospitals Dorset NHS Foundation Trust. Commending clinical teams for the quality of specialist care they provide and for the compassion shown to patients, the CQC reported that: “Staff treated patients with compassion and kindness, respected their privacy and dignity, took account of their individual needs, and helped them understand their conditions. They provided emotional support to patients, families and carers.” The CQC report also commented on the consistent high levels of patient feedback provided by the service, stating: “Patients and relatives gave positive feedback about the service. Feedback data consistently showed patients rated highly the care provided by the service.” Feedback from patients included: “I cannot fault the treatment I received from the staff on the ward, in the theatre and from the administration” and “an excellent service, staff very professional and personable. I couldn’t have wished for better.” Dr Ohri, CEO of Dorset Heart Clinic said: “This is our first CQC report since we opened in 2017 and we are extremely pleased that the professionalism and continued commitment to providing exceptional care for our patients has been recognised in this way.”

Local initiative ‘The Wave Project Dorset’ uses surfing to improve resilience and happiness in children.

Community Action Network (CAN) recently announced The Wave Project Dorset as its Community Hero in the Spotlight for July. July sees the start of the 2022 Commonwealth Games being held in Birmingham and CAN’s Community Hero in the Spotlight wanted to celebrate an organisation who encourage and support the community of Dorset through sport. Surfing may not be a Commonwealth Sport (yet) but it was featured in the Tokyo Olympics last year. The Wave Project Dorset surf therapy is used to build resilience, confidence and happiness in children and young people. Utilising the passion and enthusiasm of local volunteers who love the water The Wave Project Dorset provide one to one support to children and young people helping them to learn a new skill or simply have fun in the water Tom, the Wave Project Dorset Coordinator, says “From the sands of Cornwall over ten years ago, to the shorelines of the rest of the UK (and even the concrete of the Bristol wave pool!), the Wave Project and its delivery of surf therapy have changed the lives of thousands of young people. It is the ultimate privilege and joy for our extraordinary volunteers and I to witness the rapid transformation that the sea, social connection and a surfboar d can make to the wellbeing of a vulnerable child.We are most grateful to be recognised and celebrated as CAN’s Community Hero in The Spotlight for July and hope that this inspires more referrals and more volunteer sign ups so we can continue supporting as many of Dorset’s young people as possible.” The Wave Project Dorset helps any child or young person in Dorset to be reminded what it is to be a child, to have fun, play games and meet new friends. To surf and increase awareness of their bodies strength and realise their own courage and determination to catch that epic wave! As well as conquering their fear of water, waves or wetsuits, they hopefully learn that they can achieve anything they put their mind to through positivity and praise. Hannah, a participant of the project shares her experience: “I loved the Wave Project because the volunteers are so lovely. We had so much fun going in the water: swimming, surfing, Stand Up Paddleboarding. It’s something to look forward to at the end of the week, it gets you active, gets you out of the house, and socialising with other people.”

You can find more information about the Wave Project Dorset on their website. https://www.waveproject.co.uk/projectlocations/dorset/

Summer Holiday childcare?

BCP council have published a handy list of local childcare providers with holiday availability. There’s something for all ages and tastes whether it’s nursery care or a full-on sports ‘holiday camp’. For those who have a creative streak, there’s ‘Creative Kids’ which combines traditional art with the digital arts. The providers can be filtered according to age (0-18 years old) or location (across BCP) to provide the perfect match for your child. Don’t forget, as featured in our last edition, many working parents can qualify for tax-free childcare (including holiday clubs) with the government paying £2 for every £8 you pay. You’ll need to check with the provider to make sure they are registered with the scheme.

More information is available here: https://www.gov.uk/get-tax-free-childcare Check out the Holiday Schemes at: www.fid.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/kb5/poole/fis/results.page?familychannel=2-7

Any teenagers ‘UP 4 Summer’?

BCP Council have launched an exciting programme of events this summer designed especially for 12-19 year olds. The events will run from 25 July through to 1 September with activities including Water Battles, Pamper Evenings, Zip wire challenges and even a visit to Thorpe Park for the thrill seekers. Many of the events are free, but some of the visits require a contribution of £5 or £10 to help towards entrance fees.

Here’s the programme of events

July

Monday 25 Round the world food challenge @ Creekmoor youth centre £ free Tuesday 26 Ninja warrior uk adventure southampton - Transport included £10.00 Thursday 28 Round the world food challenge @ Muscliff youth centre £ free Friday 29 Paddleboarding & kayaking @ The watersport academy £5.00

Monday 1 Fitness taster @ Creekmoor youth centre £ free Tuesday 2 New forest waterpark - Transport included £10.00 Wednesday 3 Climbing & zip wire @ Rock reef bournemouth £5.00 Thursday 4 Fitness taster @ Muscliff youth centre £ free

Monday 8 Escape room @ Creekmoor youth centre £ free Thursday 11 Escape room @ Muscliff youth centre £ free Friday 12 Laser quest bournemouth £5.00

Monday 15 High ropes & rafting @ Avon tyrell - Transport included £10.00 Monday 15 Pamper evening @ Creekmoor youth centre £ free Tuesday 16 Insanity gaming poole £5.00 Wednesday 17 Thorpe park - Transport included £10.00 Thursday 18 Pamper evening @ Muscliff youth centre £ free Friday 19 Water battle @ Muscliff youth centre £ free

Monday 22 Zorb & outdoor football session @ Creekmoor youth centre £ free Tuesday 23 Ringos and skibobbing @ Snow trax - Transport included £10.00 Thursday 25 Zorb & outdoor football session @ Muscliff youth centre £ free

Tuesday 30 Splashdown poole £5.00 Wednesday 31 Mega slip & slide wimborne - Transport included £10.00

August

September

Thursday 1 Arts & crafts evening @ muscliff youth centre £ free

Bookings opened on 4 July and spaces are limited on a

‘first-come-first-served basis’.

For more information visit: www.upinbcp.co.uk/ Resources/Documents/ Explore/Summer-Activities.pdf

Parents and carers being urged to check on Polio vaccinations

An outbreak of Polio was detected in London sewage samples leading health experts across the country to issue a warning to parents and carers to ensure their children’s vaccinations are up to date. Polio is an uncommon disease mainly found in Afghanistan and Pakistan and can, in rare cases cause paralysis or even death. It was eradicated in Britain in 2003 thanks to vaccinations.

It can be spread through coughing and sneezing and although extremely rare in this country, it can affect unvaccinated people. The polio vaccine is part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination schedule. If you or your child are not up to date with your polio vaccinations, you could be at risk so it’s important to contact your GP if you think you or your child might be behind. More information on Polio can be found here:

http://alphastockimages.com/ & Nick Youngson http://www.nyphotographic.com/

"Slavery is not a crime of the past”

Five men arrested and nine vulnerable people safeguarded in massive police operation across BCP Dorset Police executed warrants at ten addresses across the Bournemouth and Poole area recently, in the ongoing fight to tackle organised crime reported to them by members of the public. As a result of community intelligence, the police were able to plan and execute the warrants resulting in five people being arrested. Chief Inspector Jamie Halford, of Dorset Police, said: “This operation involved around 100 officers and staff from various teams across Dorset Police, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit and other partners. “Officers arrested five men on suspicion of various offences and were able to safeguard nine vulnerable people and seized large quantities of cash.” The following arrests took place: • A 48-year-old man, of Poole was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery and money laundering. • A 59-year-old man, of Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery, money laundering and sexual assault. • A 50-year-old man, of Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery, money laundering, rape and sexual assault. • A 29-year-old man, of Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of modern slavery, money laundering, rape and affray. • A 42-year-old man, of Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of rape. Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya, of Dorset Police, said: “Unfortunately, slavery is not a crime of the past. It also happens in our modern-day society. While industries may have changed, exploiting people for financial gain hasn’t. Unauthorised local car washes, nail bars, takeaways, restaurants and brothels are just some of places we’re finding victims, and that's just the tip of the iceberg. “I joined our officers and staff on this enforcement operation and was able to witness first-hand the proactive efforts we’re making to seek out offenders, keep people safe and support victims of these terrible crimes.” Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick, said: “ I want to send my thanks to each and every member of Dorset Police staff involved in this operation. Many people still have an ‘it doesn’t happen in Dorset’ attitude to modern slavery but ten warrants being executed in one day shows that it’s very real and very much happening in our county. "It is everyone's responsibility to look for slavery and report any suspicions or incidents – working together, we can stop it happening, so please if you have any concerns - report it.”

If you have concerns about modern slavery or human trafficking in your area you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or visit the Dorset Police website: www.dorset. police.uk – always call 999 if a crime is in progress.

Government gears up for driverless cars that ‘could start as soon as next year’

From 1 July, new rules came into place regarding the use of self-driving vehicles. No vehicles in Great Britain have been classed as self-driving yet but they could start to be as soon as next year according to the Driver an Vehicle Standards Agency.

The changes are included in a new section in The Highway Code which can be accessed for free on GOV.UK. The changes to the Code will help ensure the newtechnology will be used safely, explaining clearly that while travelling in self-driving mode, motorists must be ready to resume control in a timely way if they are prompted to – such as when they approach motorway exits. It also includes details about appropriate insurance needed for selfdriving cars. The plans also include a change to current regulation, allowing drivers to view content which is not related to driving on built-in display screens, while the self-driving vehicle is in control. It will however, still be illegal to use mobile phones in self-driving mode, given the greater risk they pose in distracting drivers as shown in research. The government is working with the manufacturer, retailer and leasing industries to ensure that anyone accessing a self-driving vehicle will receive advice on how to use it. It's important that everyone – not just drivers – understands their responsibilities for their own safety and that of other road users The Highway code can be accessed free of charge on the .gov website.

More information: https://www. gov.uk/guidance/the-highwaycode/introduction

LOCAL NEWS

"We’re like sisters", says Poole host of Ukraine mum

Council appeals for more help to offer jobs and homes to this fleeing war. A mum of two who sponsored a Ukrainian mother and her son fleeing war has described the experience as ‘like having a new extended family’. Nikki signed up for the Homes for Ukraine scheme when it launched and was paired with Kateryna, a mother of a nine-year-old boy, who is the same age as Nikki’s son. When the war started Kateryna witnessed Russian bombs falling near her flat and was forced to shelter her son and six-month-old nephew in a bathtub for a week before managing to leave. She leaves behind her husband, who is still fighting with the Ukraine Armed Forces. In April Nikki and her husband drove to France to pick up Kateryna in an emotional meet up, after Kateryna and her son’s traumatic journey out of Ukraine finally ended. Since then, the two families have spent their time getting to know each other, with Kateryna’s son starting at the same school as Nikki’s and the two women celebrating Ukrainian Mother’s Day and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Nikki said: “It’s something that I felt I had to do. Knowing that children were there suffering and missing their childhood – it broke my heart. “Then knowing that we had a spare room that was big enough and children that would play with them – I knew it was something I had to do. “When we finally met, we were crying tears of joy and sadness. Now we’re like sisters. My son and daughter have gained a new brother.” Kateryna is now a cook in a restaurant working five days a week. She said: “I didn’t believe it was true when the war started. Then I saw a rocket and very big explosion, it was very scary, and my son cried. “I have a sister; she has a six-monthold baby. The baby and my son slept in the bathroom for one week before we left. We have many emotions – they’re not good “Now I am here I am very happy, because my son has a new family. Every day I say: ‘thank you God for this family and for England’, because now my son has a good friend and I have a new sister.” Cllr Karen Rampton, Portfolio Holder for People and Homes, said: “Thank you sincerely to everyone who has registered to be a sponsor. You are doing such an incredible and vital job and we all thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping those in need. “The council is working hard to support all our Ukrainian guests and their sponsors. If you live in the BCP area and can help in any way with job offers, accommodation or other offers of support, please get in touch”. The council is now working with over 250 host households offering accommodation to around 600 Ukrainian guests, some of whom are adults, families and children.

If sponsors or their guests have any queries or issues, please call 01202 123987, email resettlement@ bcpcouncil.gov.uk or visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/helpforukraine Welcome booklets for sponsors and their guests can be downloaded here: https://www. bcpcouncil.gov.uk/news-article. aspx? title=welcome-booklet-forukrainians-and-sponsor-book-forhosts- launches To watch a video of Kateryna and Nikki talking about their experience visit: https://www. youtu.be/znMvagricug

Beales given a facelift thanks to Arts University

The landmark Beales building has been given a colourful and imaginative facelift – thanks to a collaboration between the Town Centre BID and Arts University Bournemouth. Staff and students from across the University have contributed 46 metres of creative artworks to brighten up the vacant shopfront in Bournemouth Town Centre. Images created by graduates as part of the University’s Summer Shows will be on display, as well as photography reflecting the vibrant look and feel of the local area. The project was commissioned by the Town Centre BID to showcase the creative community of Bournemouth. Paul Kinvig, Chief Operating Officer of the Town Centre BID said: “The Beales building is such an important landmark and Beale Place itself has become a thriving and vibrant area of the town centre. “I am absolutely delighted that the BID is working on another superb collaboration with the very talented students and staff at Arts University Bournemouth to give the extensive shopfront a colourful and imaginative facelift while we await the next chapter in the building’s history.” He added: “It’s a wonderful way to display the amazing creativity of AUB while at the same time giving the location something of a makeover. I am sure lots of residents and visitors will enjoy admiring the artwork.” Dr Anna Farthing, Executive Director of External Engagement at AUB, said: “We’re proud to showcase the work of our creative communities through our partnership with Bournemouth Town Centre BID, and this public artwork will bring colour and vibrancy to the town centre.

BCP Council and partners tackle anti-social behaviour in Poole

On May 31, BCP Council and other partnering agencies including Poole Neighbourhood Police Team, St Mungo’s and Trading Standards conducted a targeted day of action in Poole. Operation Servo comes under the regional operation, Operation Relentless to deal with anti-social behaviour (ASB). BCP Council’s Community Safety Accredited Scheme Officers (CSAS) assisted police colleagues with a visible patrol in the town centre to target anti-social behaviour. CSAS officers also partnered with local charity St Mungo’s and engaged with rough sleepers signposting individuals in how to access services.

Councillor Bobbie Dove, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Regulatory Services said: “By engaging with the local community, CSAS Officers were able to listen to the concerns of Poole residents and local businesses and that is how BCP Council and partnering agencies can continue to take action.

“As part of the Cleaner, Greener, Safer initiative we are taking steps to ensure residents and visitors feel safe in the three town centres. And as the warmer weather comes, people should be out enjoying all that Poole has to offer. They can do that knowing that we are cracking down on anti-social behaviour.” Police officers located a missing child and made several arrests related to Class A drugs and other drugs were located during two stop searches. A cannabis factory above an address of interest to the police was also dismantled by officers. Inspector Danny Tamblyn was on hand and enabled police to give a section 35 dispersal notice to prevent wider spread anti-social behaviour. He added ‘“Multi agency days of action allow us to ensure we have the right people in the right place and at the right time to ensure we have the greatest positive impact for the community. “Officers are a visible representation of our partnership approach to problem solving based on what our communities tell us matters to them. Most commonly this relates to ASB which is an area I am committed to relentlessly pursuing so that Poole is safe for everyone to enjoy.” Police Community Support Officers carried out a public engagement in Falkland Square and encouraged the public to complete Priority Surveys which involves the community raising issues that are important to them and where they would like the police to focus their resources and enabling partner agencies to work better together. During the recent patrol, CSAS Officers exercised their right to confiscate alcohol from a group of anti-social adults and helped a female youth in distress.

Operation Servo is a permanent Poole Neighbourhood Police Team Operation and will continue throughout the year.

BCP Council are recruiting new Community Safety Officers. To find out more go to: https://jobs.bcpcouncil. gov.uk/youth-communitywork-communitiescommunity-safety-patrolofficer/20955.job

Have your say on plans for seven parks

Share your thoughts on plans for seven parks across the conurbation as part of the Nature Recovery project. BCP Council are looking for local views to help shape the future of the parks. These parks include Branksome Recreation Ground, Haskells Recreation Ground, Jumpers Common, Kinson Manor Playing Fields, Muscliff Park, Pelhams Park and Slades Farm. Plans have been developed by The Parks Foundation which all aim to create wildlife-rich sites, increase habitat and biodiversity, engage communities, and enhance the appearance of the selected parks. Have your say or find out more about the Parks Foundation and their plans here: https://parksfoundation.org.uk/nature-recovery/

Sign up for Step out and help Spot the signs of Leukaemia

Participants across the country are being invited to sign up to the Leukaemia Care Step Out Challenge for Spot Leukaemia, which launches this September.

The aim is to move as far as you can between 1st and 30th September and raise as much as you can - there’s no minimum limit. To take part you can walk, run, cycle or run and set whatever distance goal you want to. Once signed up, friends and family can sponsor you to help you achieve your goal - a perfect way to increase your own personal fitness levels whilst raising vital funds for Leukaemia Care. Zack Pembleton-Whitey from Leukaemia Care, said: “The challenge is free to sign up to and people can raise anything they can - as every penny raised makes a difference in helping make a difference to those living with a leukaemia, MDS or MPN diagnosis.” A medal in an eco-friendly design will be given to anybody who reaches the £50 milestone and a fabulous new t-shirt for the 2022 event for anybody who raises over £100. Those who raise £250 or more will receive a £20 gift card for the Leukaemia Care online shop. This year Leukaemia Care has introduced two fantastic overall trophies - one for the fundraiser that raises the most and another for the person who covers the most distance during the challenge. Sign up to Step Out then join the Facebook community to get motivated for your challenge.

The six most common symptoms of Leukaemia to look out for Ahead of Blood Cancer Awareness Month later this year, the charity is keen to share the six most common symptoms of leukaemia which are; fatigue, shortness of breath, fever or night sweats, bruising or bleeding, bone or joint pain, and repeated infections. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of leukaemia: https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/support-and-information/ information-about-blood-cancer/blood-cancer-information/signs-and-symptoms-of-leukaemia/

Get involved with the Short Breaks Consultation for parents of Special Educational Needs children and young adults

Parent Carers Together and Public Care want to hear from parents and carers of children or young people aged 0 to 25 with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). What different needs does your child have and what type of short breaks would benefit them, and you, the most? Would it be half-term activities, overnight care, etc. We also want to know what you think of the current offering from BCP Council short breaks and what could be improved, if anything. This will help outline what short breaks will be needed in the future. Meet them and chat over a cuppa at the Tesco Community Room, Tower Park, BH12 4NX on Tuesday 5 July from 10am to 1pm or email any feedback to louise@parentcarerstogether.org.uk.

Poole Crematorium petition gathers pace

A petition urging BCP Council to install a cremator at Poole crematorium has amassed nearly 3,000 signatures. While the facility is being upgraded at a cost of more than £500,000 for Phase 1, its old cremators won’t be replaced. The petition was launched by local resident Tony Reeves. Nick Douch, Managing Director of Douch Family Funeral Directors, which has seven branches, has signed the petition and is urging others to add their names. He said: “With no cremators at Poole, deceased bodies have to be shuttled to Bournemouth. “Bournemouth already has the second busiest crematorium in the country so not to replace Poole’s cremators seems bizarre, especially when given the amount they are spending on it. “Relatives want their loved ones cremated in the place where the service is held – they don’t like the idea of them being driven across the conurbation. Without a cremator it would be wrong to describe the Poole facility as a crematorium. It is just a service chapel. “For the money the council are spending they could easily install a cremator and we are confused as to why they aren’t. “The Poole facility serves a wide area of more than 250,000 people, and we are now arranging funerals further afield where there are cremators. “I would urge everyone to sign the petition and lobby the council to change its decision on downgrading Poole crematorium to a service chapel.” So far 2,744 have signed the petition that can be found through this link: https:// savepoolecrem.org/

Beryl bikes and e-scooters save 138 tonnes of carbon monoxide as new milestone hit

Beryl and BCP Council are celebrating a significant milestone for the region’s bike and e-scooter share scheme. Riders have now clocked up one million journeys, just a few weeks after the third anniversary of the scheme’s launch on 17 June 2019. The one million journeys equate to a total distance of over 3.8million km, the equivalent of nearly 95 journeys around the Earth. Feedback from 31,151 users since March 2021 shows that over a quarter (26.3%) of bike and e-scooter journeys in BCP have replaced road transport journeys - including driving a car/van, being a passenger in a car/van, using a taxi or riding a motorbike or moped. This equates to almost 138 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions saved; the equivalent of around 9,208.707 boiled kettles or more than 807 flights from London to Edinburgh. Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for Transport and sustainability said: “This is a real success for the joint Beryl/BCP Council initiative and I would like to thank and congratulate both teams for getting us to this incredible landmark. “The green bikes and e-scooters are now a common sight around our towns and many of our locals and visitors have become ‘Beryl converts’ using them to make those shorter journeys to work, education and leisure, rather than taking their car". For more information on Beryl’s innovative bike share scheme, please visit beryl.cc/bikeshare.