RSS opposition meeting

I attended a meeting a Bournemouth Town Hall this afternoon about coordinating opposition to the Regional Spatial Strategy.

The leaders of each of the local authorities covering South East Dorset were invited, along with the local MPs, the Council for the Protection of Rural England, Friends of the Earth and the chair-people of the various action groups set up to oppose the RSS proposals in each of the areas.

I was delighted that we had such a good turn out from everyone.

The meeting was hosted by the Local Development Framework group on Bournemouth Council. The group includes a member from each of the political parties represented on the Council, in Bournemouth it's going to be this group that puts together our submission to the RSS proposals once the announcement of the final scheme has been made by the Secretary of State.

The proposals, if they remain as initially proposed, will change the character of our area for ever. As I've said often enough before.

The purpose of the meeting was for us to coordinate our opposition to the proposals.

We wanted to ensure that the local councils were all on the same page in their opposition to the proposals. That they were sharing their submissions with one another, to ensure commonality in their responses, and that this information was going to be made to the local action groups and other concerned parties to help them with their responses.

I'm very pleased to say that all of these points were agreed.

We then went on to discuss the opportunities for creating events highlighting the opposition in the area to the proposals in order that we can obtain maximum publicity for our opposition. Ideas included creating a human chain from Throop to Lytchett Minster.

We'll be meeting again once the RSS announcement has been made.

CALM

Yesterday at the Lytchett Matravers Carnival the local protest group opposing the inclusion of a new development of 2,750 houses between Lytchett Minster and Lytchett Matravers had an exhibition tent.

Community Action for Lytchett Matravers (CALM) did a super job.  I was pleased to be able to visit them, buy one of their wristbands and show my support for them.  They're doing a great job.  Let's hope that the Secretary of State throws out this ridiculous proposal.

Mobile phone mast protest

We've been fighting a mobile phone mast application in my ward in Bournemouth.  There's an article in the Daily Echo today about it.  

The link is here.

The proposal is to build a mast at a busy junction in the middle of a residential area.  We've suggested an alternative site, about 800 yds away, which would give similar coverage but would be well away from any local housing and close to the masts built by other companies.

It reminded me of the protests we held last May opposing the mast proposed for The Clump in Broadstone.  I was pleased to see some of the people who were involved in those protests last weekend.  Permission was of course refused for the mast at The Clump.

Hopefully we'll have the same result in Littledown and Iford.  When will the mobile phone companies learn that rather than taking the easy option they should properly consult with local people first to ensure that they are taking their opinions on the site in to account.  It would cause them (and us) a whole lot less trouble!

Iain Dale's Civil Partnership

Quite possibly the best known political blogger in the UK, Iain Dale, is getting 'hitched' to his long term partner John Simmons at their civil partnership ceremony today.

Congratulations and best wishes to them both.

Ireland says 'No'

The BBC are reporting that the Irish have voted 'No' in their referendum on the Lisbon Treaty.

Good for them!

Let's hope that buries the plan and allows a new relationship between the countries of the Union to be negotiated. Let's also hope that the negotiation is carried out by a Conservative Government which will stand up for the UK's rights and ensure a repatriation of our eroded sovereignty from the EU.

Strawberry Tea at Kesworth

What a lovely day it's been.

This afternoon was the annual Wareham St Martin branch Strawberry Tea at Kesworth House. A super location for a really nice afternoon. Our largest turn out for some time as well, over 70 people there to enjoy the gardens and to catch up with friends and make new acquaintances.

Thanks to everyone who came along and most importantly to Jeremy Drax and his family for their continued support of their local branch and for lending their lovely house to us for the afternoon.

(Luckily this photo doesn't show me filling my face with scones, clotted cream and jam, but believe me I did!)

Tourism Minister can't stand the heat

Tourism plays a huge part in Dorset's economy. It's also been totally neglected by this Government.

It would seem that the Minister responsible for the tourist industry has finally been told a few home truths by one of its leading backers. (The Daily Mail has the story here).

About time too. It's a shame that her response, and that of her party has been to attack the comments rather than listen to the cry for help they contain.

Greenridge Action Group Launch

The Daily Echo is carrying a report about the Greenridge Action Group's launch in Lytchett Minster and Upton here.