EU energy enlistment: Bournemouth and Poole to join ranks?

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Monty Walton

People in Poole and Bournemouth may have to prepare to drastically cut carbon emissions if a European environmental programme is signed, reports say.

Poole and Bournemouth borough councils are considering becoming signatories of the European Covenant of Mayors Programme, after a proposition from the Energy Saving Trust was made to the environmental overview and scrutiny committee in Poole last week.

The Covenant of Mayors programme is a European wide co-operative movement aimed at local and regional authorities, enabling them to voluntarily commit to increasing energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy in their area.

Signatories of the scheme pledge to make a formal commitment to the EU’s ‘202020’ targets – 20% improvement in energy , 20% contribution from renewable energy, and 20% reductions in CO2 emissions by 2020, if they are to remain on the programme.

Poole Council’s Carbon Reduction manager, Paul Cooling, believes that signing up to the programme would not only be beneficial for the council, but for the wider community as a whole.

‘The appeal of the Covenant of Mayors is not just that it deals with the Council’s emissions from its operations and estate but also includes Borough-wide emissions as well,’ he said.

‘The Council performed well in the assessment and are in a strong position to sign up to and benefit from the Covenant of Mayors Programme.’

He went on to say, however, that, ‘The key factor to the success of this venture is the continued commitment of Councillors, Directors and staff to the Council’s Carbon Reduction objectives.’

Ben Frier, from the Energy Savings Trust, said: ‘The major risk to the borough is if it fails to achieve the required standard and is therefore expelled from the covenant.’

The final decision on the matter has yet to be made, and will take place at the next Environmental committee meeting in Poole on Thursday, 8th March.

With a total of 2300 signatories, and firm support from various local authorities abroad, the scheme is continuing to gain widespread popularity across the EU and beyond.

Council To Decide On CCTV In Taxis

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Peter Hodges

CCTV cameras may be fitted into the back of Bournemouth taxis if given the go-ahead at a Licensing Board meeting on Thursday.

It’s claimed the cameras would help provide protection for both the drivers and the passengers.

The council says the cameras could help stop assaults, theft and non-payment by passengers but also protect passengers from any inappropriate actions by drivers.

The council hopes the cameras will be installed into all 600 taxis in Bournemouth.

Ms Anita Whant, of the Taxi Trade Association, said: “Rather than have the driver’s word against the passengers, this system will be able to clear up problems that they experience.”

The outright purchase of a single camera CCTV unit is approximately £560 plus VAT. However, the purchase of up to 500 of the cameras could cost over £225,000.

The cameras begin recording sound and picture when the ignition is switched on and continue to record for 15 minutes after the engine has stopped running.

One type of camera that can be used is a picture-only system. However picture-only systems are useful for recording the identities of passengers but hearing what is being said or how an incident starts can tell the whole story.

The preferred solution is a CygCam unit which not only takes fast snap shot images but also takes continuous audio.

CCTV in cabs has been a constant source of news with some cab drivers putting the images on YouTube.

One Mail Online reported that Oxford Council had ‘lumbered tax payers’ with a £260,000 bill to pay for cameras and their installation.

It is not yet clear whether tax payers will be expected to foot the bill for the cameras in Bournemouth. It will be decided at the meeting on Thursday.

Highcliffe residents feel safe and secure

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Jonathan Low

A greater number of Highcliffe residents are feeling safer in the town at night, according to the results of a recent survey.

It claims 77% of them now feel more secure, up 17% compared with 2008 figures.

This year’s results, which have been described as ‘fairly positive’, will be compared to the survey conducted in 2008 by Christchurch Borough Council.

Alan Wood, Press Officer at the Council, said: ‘We’re obviously very pleased that things have gone up, but want to make sure we keep on doing it.

‘It’s important to make sure we speak to people about local issues.’

The 17% rise is one of a number of outcomes that will be revealed at a meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) evening between Highcliffe residents and Christchurch Borough Councillors and Officers.

The results from the survey will also show 70% of people in Highcliffe are happy with how the Council runs the town, while only 13% are worried about groups causing a nuisance in the area.

Nearly all (98%) of those questioned felt secure during the daytime.

Peter and Joan Gilham have lived in Highcliffe since 1957.

‘I feel much safer here compared to Bournemouth. It’s a nice town and I really like the flowers and baskets.’ said Mr Gilham.

‘But I am not too keen on the Council – there are too many houses now, so it’s a bit of a mixture really.’

Mrs Gilham added: ‘I feel safe yes, and I think the Council do quite a good job, but could do better. They waste too much money.’

Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘Highcliffe’s a nice place, but it’s unfortunate that so many of the shops are closing.

‘I think more could be done by the Council – the streets could be cleaned more for example.

‘But in general there aren’t any big problems so it’s ok.’

The meeting between Highcliffe residents and Christchurch Borough Councillors and Officers is taking place tomorrow (Tuesday) evening at St Mark’s Church Hall, starting at 7pm.

Olympic torch in Pokesdown then Kilimanjaro

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Lee Williams

John Sandford-Hart with the torch

One of the original 1948 Olympic torches was in Bournemouth yesterday for the Pokesdown Valentine’s Fair.

The 1948 London Olympics torch was the centrepiece of the craft fair which took place in and around the Tattoo Parlour Cafe and Scribe Tattooing in Pokesdown.

The torch was there to support Pilgrimbandits, a charity based in New Milton. The charity supports ex-special forces amputees and local veterans.

Patron of the Pilgrimbandits, John Sandford-Hart, said: “It’s great to have the torch here. We were given it by an 83-year-old man from Dover who carried it through the Dover stretch of the 1948 torch-bearing event. We’re taking it up Kilimanjaro on Wednesday on a fund raising expedition.”

The Kilimanjaro expedition will comprise a team of 30 people including police, civilians and five ex-military amputees. Duncan Bannatyne of Dragon’s Den will also accompany the team.

They will try to break two world records. The amputees will attempt the fastest ascent of Kilimanjaro on crutches. John Sandford-Hart will also try to break the record for the fastest ascent of Kilimanjaro dressed as a superhero. He will be wearing a Spiderman costume and bearing the Olympic torch.

The craft fair was organised by Pokesdown Residents Association. There were a number of other attractions such as an army jeep and people dressed as stormtroopers and Darth Vader.

Members of Occupy BH also turned up and offered free hugs to passersby.

Events Secretary of Pokesdown Residents’ Association, Emma Ekkes, said: “It’s been a great day. We’ve had around 1,500 people through already and most of the residents have come out.

“We need to get these empty shops filled. They’re being allowed to run into disrepair but we won’t let that happen.”

Bournemouth businessman hits back at banks

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Lauren Murray

A Bournemouth businessman has hit out at banks today after national figures reveal that they are not lending enough to small businesses. A shortfall of nearly £25 billion has been suggested by the government, stating that small businesses are struggling due to the banks’ reluctance to lend.

Though the official figures have not been disclosed RBS is believed to have fallen short of its targets in order to satisfy the terms as laid out within Project Merlin.

However, some of the banks have bounced back arguing that they have met their quota and, in some instances, exceeded the required amount. Lloyds have said they have exceeded their targets and Santander are ‘on track to deliver’.

President of Bournemouth’s Chamber of Commerce, Nigel Hedges, said: “Bank managers used to know their clients by name. The banks are posting massive profits while people are suffering and the banks that don’t help people now will pay the price when there’s an upturn.

“While responsible lending is key it is quite apparent that it isn’t being carried out. I look at some businesses and think, who lent them money?”

Jeff Taylor of the Economic Voice published, “The banks should not be expected to put themselves at an unacceptably high commercial risk when lending just to make the government look good.

“Maybe the government needs to push help directly at SMEs, possibly by reducing their tax burden?”

President of Bournemouth Chamber of Commerce, Nigel Hedges, in his shop.

Bay radio set for Hot takeover

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Tom Crocker

Community radio station The Bay 102.8 will transform into Hot Radio tomorrow morning, following a takeover by AFC Bournemouth chairman Eddie Mitchell.

Hot Radio station manager Alan Coote

The Bay was formed in November 2008 but the broadcasting location switched to new studios at the Seward Stadium, home of the Cherries, two weeks ago.

Alan Coote, continuing station manager and founder of the Bay 102.8, said: “The change to Hot Radio brings a stronger brand image to the station both on and off air.”

The content will remain similar for the time being, with a variety of music, news and chat from a host of popular presenters, but there are plans to bring in more local sporting content.

Mr Coote added: “Of course being at the heart of the action means that Hot Radio will be the first stop for all our local sports fans.”

London 2012 fever is spreading across the country and Hot Radio aims to keep local residents informed of the athletes’ progress ahead of the summer. Mr Coote added: “We’re committed to supporting not only all our local teams but also our sports men and women in this Olympic year.”

The re-branding had been in doubt when an Ofcom investigation last month halted plans for the station to become Play Radio on February 14^th, after it was suggested that the new home would be outside the community radio’s licensed coverage area. However Mr Mitchell now appears to have got his way and Hot Radio will launch at 7am tomorrow.

He said: “As one of the cornerstones of Poole and Bournemouth, this football club has a special place in the heart of the community and is a brilliant home for an important radio station.”

Fully aware of the success the station had under its old name, Mr Mitchell added: “We aim to continue the exceptional work done by Alan Coote in the three years since the station’s inception and are looking to extend its appeal to more people in the area.”

The price of roses to triple on Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Adam Miller

The price of a single rose has been found to triple in price this Valentine’s Day in Bournemouth town centre.

Thousands of men doing their annual last minute shop may be in for a nasty shock when their ever reliable bunch of roses triples in price the day before the most romantic day of the year.

If you popped into your local florist last week you’d have been able to pick up a single rose for just £1, only a week later florists across the country are raising their prices to £3 per flower.

However, florists say the rose will still be the most popular choice of flower on Valentine’s Day as today, just as it has been the case for centuries, no other flower spells out ‘I love you’ like a rose.

Christine Milan, form Fresh Floral Design in Bournemouth town centre, said: “Literally a red rose means love. It’s the most traditional gift a man can buy and let’s face it, they don’t really have imagination.”

However, with over half of the shop filled with roses of all colours, men’s lack of imagination proves for a lucrative couple of days surrounding the 14^th of February.

Even if the rose is still felt to be a bit predictable, its sentiment still seems to have the same affect. Lindsay Jordan, 25, a bar manager in Bournemouth said if she received roses on Valentine’s Day, she wouldn’t be disappointed.

She said: “I think it would be very cliché, but I’d still think it was really sweet”.

Married shopkeeper, Carol Metcalfe, said: “I think it would be very nice as he’s never bought me any before.”

Boscombe bedsits “inadequately heated” for freezing temperatures

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Lee Williams

Poor tenants in Boscombe are enduring the freezing weather with inadequate heating according to a local housing campaigner.

Lisa Northover says tenants in the area around Churchill Gardens and St Clements Road have been forced to find their own sources of heating because those supplied by their landlords aren’t keeping them warm enough.

Ms Northover, an ex-councillor and resident of Boscombe, said she had personally visited several properties in the area near her home where she had found inadequate heating provided by landlords.

Ms Northover said: “It’s outrageous that landlords aren’t giving powerful enough heaters to keep their homes warm in these temperatures. Especially in properties where there are young children or old people. By law, landlords have to provide an adequate heating output.”

She said she had spoken to one man whose thermostat read nine degrees. He said he had already put thirteen pounds in his meter and couldn’t afford to put much more in. He added that his heater was too small to heat his room adequately anyway.

Another man was forced to use his oven grill to help heat his property.

In another property a couple with a young daughter had been given two large electric heaters by a local charity because the one provided by the landlord had very little effect.

Dave Wells Properties are landlords to many unemployed people in Boscombe. Their managing director, Steve Wells, said: “We believe all residents have the right to warm and dry accommodation and, in addition to offering all our tenants free electric heaters, we’re installing central heating in all our bedsit properties.”

People living in bedsit properties in Boscombe are often out-of-work and reliant on housing benefit to pay their rent. Many are living on the poverty line and are struggling with or recovering from addiction.

Picture courtesy of flickr

Bournemouth’s Jubilee celebration plans

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Tom Simpson

A Bournemouth gallery is looking forward to hosting a special exhibition to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee as part of the town’s celebrations of the event.

It is sixty years to the day since Elizabeth II began her reign. On the 6^th of February 1952, the 29-year-old princess Elizabeth ascended the throne on the death of her father, George VI.

Bournemouth Borough Council is set to mark the occasion by funding an exhibition of Royal photographer Marcus Adams’ work at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum from June until September.

Melanie Kane, Marketing and Events Assistant at the Museum, said: “We feel very lucky to have this exciting collection coming to the gallery. We are all very excited.”

While she will not be visiting Bournemouth as a part of her Jubilee tour, the Queen’s links with the town are long-standing.

A year after she became Queen, a Bournemouth man, Berkeley Smith, commented on her coronation for the BBC and she has paid many visits to the town over the years.

Despite the economic climate, or perhaps because of it, local people are eager to celebrate the landmark. Local resident, Jonathan, 23, said: ‘The Queen is someone everyone can look up to and celebrating the Jubilee will be a great excuse for everyone to get together and have a good time.

Meanwhile many street parties are to be held in Bournemouth and throughout Dorset. Last month, Chris White, chair of the Local Government Association’s culture, tourism and sport programme board, said: “Councils are already receiving hundreds of inquiries from residents wanting to hold Jubilee street parties.”

And there may be even more cause to celebrate the occasion as Bournemouth is also in the running to be made a city as part of the year’s Jubilee celebrations.

Picture courtesy of flickr.

Amanda Holden is back

Posted on February 6, 2012 by Jonathan Low

Amanda Holden is fit and well again, just two weeks after giving birth to baby daughter Hollie Rose, and is planning a return to ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent this weekend.

The actress, who studied at what is now Bournemouth and Poole College in her teenage years, had to have a Caesarean birth which left her in a potentially life threatening condition.

There were also fears for the baby’s life, as Mrs Holden had to spend three days in intensive care before being allowed to go back to her London flat.

The 40-year-old re-joined her husband Chris Hughes, and elder daughter, Lexi.

Amanda Holden is best known for being a judge on ITV’s reality TV show, Britain’s Got Talent.

Although the show’s panel have appointed the US model Carmen Electra to replace her for this weekend’s programme, Mrs Holden hopes to return to the television screens as soon as possible.

The actress’ family moved to Bournemouth when she was 16, and she studied Drama and English Literature A levels at the Jellicoe Theatre on Constitution Hill Road in Poole.

Her mother and stepfather bought a guesthouse in Alum Chine while she was studying in Bournemouth.

Women in Bournemouth town centre today expressed sympathy for the reality show judge.

Gina Sykes, 29, from Poole said having a Caesarean is a very difficult period.

‘You can’t drive and it takes a long time before you can go back to work.

‘It’s been seven months [since I had it] so I’m just giving it time – you need a lot of support.’

Mrs Sykes also described Amanda Holden as a ‘brilliant’ person.

‘She’s a very important part of Britain’s Got Talent.

‘She’s one with a better eye [than the others] and just a very sensible person.’

Single mother, Lisa Philips, 33, from Winton said having a Caesarean must have been a ‘very stressful time’ for Mrs Holden.

‘You’d think she needs a lot more than two weeks to recover.

‘But I wish her all the best.’

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