Richard Biggs and Molly Rennie are concerned about a number of aspects of the County Council’s proposals to introduce charges for on-street car parking.

“The County must ensure that local businesses are fully consulted about this proposal. Customers must not be driven away from local shops as a result of this charge,” said Richard. “I would like to see the County looking at introducing a refund scheme with small shops similar to that operated by Somerfield,” added Molly. “We must also make sure that the design of any parking machines is of a high quality and blends into the Conservation area.”

Local residents are increasingly concerned about speeding traffic in Manor Park. Your Town Councillors are pressing the County Council to conduct a survey to examine how bad the problem is. Then we can get the County to take the appropriate measures to deal with this situation.

Martin Graham and Andy Canning are working to ensure that we get the next phases of Poundbury right. They want to see 35% of all homes to be affordable, restrictions to the height of the tallest buildings, far more tree planting both in and around Poundbury, higher environmental standards for all new buildings, a new swimming pool for the town, a new First School, extra parking for businesses and improved foot, cycle and public transport links with the rest of the town and the countryside.

“At long last plans are being brought forward that will cut traffic along the very narrow St George’s Road,” says Tony Lyall. “This project also includes some new housing and we are pressing for new affordable homes for shared ownership to be a key part of the proposal.”

Robin Potter and Susie Hosford inspecting the new Kiosk which will be open during events and will provide mains electricity supply & disabled toilets for the first time. Later this year plans for improved historical interpretation, new seating, disabled access and a new fence will be available for consultation.

The Nature Reserve by the Millstream has now become an officially designated Local Nature Reserve and an active ‘Friends of the Reserve’ group has been established. “A high priority is to clear away more weeds and plant native species that will return the area to its natural state. We are also going to replace the ageing signs in the near future with far better interpretation,” explained Andy Canning.

Susie Hosford and Robin Potter are delighted with this year’s improvements to the Weymouth Avenue Recreation Ground.

The Town Council has provided new fencing and a storage compound while the Cricket Club has led the way with a new artificial wicket and new nets and hopefully soon a new scorebox!

As the result of a successful campaign by local residents with the support of Peter Mann & Trevor Jones the whole of Coburg Road will soon have a 20mph speed limit.

“Lib Dem Councillors have long believed that local residents must have the final say about whether residents parking is right for them,” says Peter Mann.

“Much of Victoria Park has backed a new scheme that will help residents cope with problems caused by their closeness to the Hospital. The Orders to introduce this scheme are now being issued by the County Council,” added Trevor Jones. “However, residents of Fordington showed a majority opposed to a scheme for their area and so this has been dropped.”

Martin Graham and Richard Biggs at the site of what will become Dorchester’s largest park.

“Work on the first phase of the Great Field started last month,” said Martin. “By early next year there will be a sports field here that will provide a cricket pitch in the summer and two junior football pitches for the rest of the year. This will be followed by a ball wall and basketball hoop on a tarmaced area for allweather use.”

“Later phases of the park will mostly be informal with paths for pedestrians and cyclists linking new Poundbury to the rest of the town; although we would also like to see more facilities for young people here,” added Richard.