New subject

If you want to raise a new topic, post your comment here — just click first on Comments below, then type in post a comment (top right of the next window). Can you choose a title for your post, please? Sometimes it's hard to work out what a comment is about and what the subject is. A new heading will soon be set up, allowing others to see and add their own comments. It seems it's sometimes easier to click on 'Post anonymously' than to open an account in your name - you can always add your name to your message. We try to keep posts civilized. And any posts that become too provocative, insulting, threatening or otherwise unpleasant will be deleted.

New community hospital

There are evidently proposals afoot for a new community hospital in Herston, between Washpond Lane and the Emmanuel Baptist Church. I have only just found out about this, and would welcome input from anyone who knows anything. What does Swanage Hospital think? I am especially concerned that any investment in any development fully integrates all the various ideas that have been floating around — for a community centre, a wet-weather sports/leisure centre, the possible relocation of the Health Centre, the development of a 'conference centre' at the Emmanuel Baptist Church, the possible relocation of the Town Hall and the Tourist Office, and all sorts of other facilities. What mustn't happen is that investment is made in one thing, then people later realise that something else is wanted but it's too late because the money's gone. There's a briefing to councillors on 6th April, so we should know more then. And there's supposed to be (another) consultation on all these proposals in the summer, as part of the so-called 'Core Strategy'. Busy times.

The 10th Swanage Blues Festival 10 March

This weekend sees the 10th March blues festival in Swanage, with over 100 musicians performing over 40 concerts, all indoors and all free admission.

Full details are at
http://www.swanage-blues.org



Posted by Steve Darrington to swanageview at 8:03 PM

Bio Fuel Plant at Portland:

http://www.thisisdorset.net/news/tidnews/5033731.Portland_palm_oil_protest__400_protesters_on_march/

http://www.facebook.com/wesaynope#!/wesaynope?v=photos

Bristol Council has recently turned a Bio Fuel (Palm Oil) plant station down. One of the main reasons because of the environmental impact on the Indonesion rainforests and loss of habitat.

Weymouth and Portland agreed with the Bio Fuel Plant for Portland because: 'The committee chairman warned the councillors that refusing permission would lead to an appeal, which could cost the council a lot of money and as a result other services might be put at risk. Ironic therefore that since getting permission, W4B has continued with its appeal against the refusal on the first application - which will of course cost the council money.'
http://sites.google.com/site/foodnotfuelorg/news/portlandpalmoilpowerstationapproved


The voting was 6 - 5 for granting permission. All 6 Conservative councillors voted for, all three Lib Dems, one Labour and the one Independent voted against.

Despite about 25 objectors speaking each for 3 minutes, a total of 860 objections received plus a last minute petition of Portland residents numbering around 400, Conservative councillors were resolute that:


1. THEY DON'T HAVE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF WIDER ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS WHEN MAKING THIS DECISION.

2. the RSPO is a trustworthy organisation and will ensure the palm oil is sustainable

3. having a possible 22 local jobs and a bit more income from use of Portland port are more important than impacts on people living in palm oil producing countries, the air pollution imposed on people living in Portland itself including the nearby prison, on tourists who will have their enjoyment of the local area ruined, and the devastating effects of de-forestation on climate and biodiversity.

Approx 400 people marched at the weekend in protest, against this proposal. If you watched the Panorama documentary on Palm Oil, last Monday and also feel angry at the council agreeing to this application then contact www.N.O.P.E.



Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 12:13 AM

Newton Knapp

Good news - who says we're always negative - work has restarted on the Newton Knapp development.


Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 7:52 PM

Moderation?

"Mmmm.this original post was headed good news! It seems to have spiralled into a pit of eternal doom."

It was I who suggested this thread because I felt then as this poster does now.

I have placed over 100 posts in various threads of Swanageview since the New Year, and every one has been either positive, or contains constructive criticism, or where I have had to be strongly critical, I have explained my views and I have avoided rants or personal attacks, and have attempted to provide an alternative solution.

I have been surprised how even my light-hearted comments, aimed at providing a smile after some heated posts, are pounced upon! An example - in another thread I commented that it is a shame that we don't have Spitting Image any more - that politics has become too cynical. This provoked a lengthy response that seemed disproportionate to the quip. Oh well, that's the thing about blogs! I rarely respond to ranters; why feed their egos? And bloggers do have the right, after all. Free speech and all that.

What I (and the person I quote above) am concerned about is the negative image this blog may be producing about Swanage to the outside world; one gent asked whether Swanage is a good place to move to; what followed would certainly make me reconsider a move here; we may appear to be on the whole a grumpy and inward looking bunch of old farts. Maybe some of us are, but not all of us; perhaps this blog is a reflection of part of our community soul. I don't think so, but I may be wrong.

I ask: does posting our little petty secrets, fears, arguments and foibles online, for all of posterity to read, really help the image of Swanage?

If not, then, should this blog be moderated according to some sort of agreed standards, so that there is some control? The Echo does this, as do all newspapers. If readers feel this would inhibit some very useful free debate over town issues, I might suggest that a closed blog, for members who sign up via email address, would be the forum for this sort of vigorous debate, rather than this 'open to the world' forum, which is 'out there' for all and sundry to read - forever, by the way! The Owners Association at SBV have such a closed forum, and I can assure you it is a lively and provocative - and democratic - forum indeed - and therefore more productive!

Perhaps these questions could become a new thread.

Discuss....

£900 bill for dog mess

AN ELDERLY dog owner has been ordered to pay nearly £900 after failing to clear up after his pets.
The East Dorset District Council prosecution comes following a rise in nuisance dog fouling complaints in Bournemouth and Poole. Pensioner Dennis Hunt was fined £700 for two dog fouling offences. Magistrates also ordered him to pay £192.50 court costs.

Save James Day Home Action Group

Join us on Monday 01.03.10 at 18.50 hours at the Swanage Town Council Meeting, Town Hall, Swanage in order to let our councillors know their support is vital in this battle to maintain adequate residential care homes in Swanage.

Also on Wednesday 03.03.10 at 10am come with us to Dorset County Council, Dorchester when we meet the Cabinet of DCC to present the case on behalf of the people of Swanage for keeping the James Day Home open.

*For full details of transport ring
426127, 422304 or 425297.*



Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:30 PM

Town Clerk to Retire

'Minutes of the recent Policy and Planning meeting (21 December 2009) recorded that the Town Clerk is proposing to retire in March 2010, subject to details being resolved. The current Deputy Town Clerk, Martin Ayres, would be appointed Acting Town Clerk for a minimum period of six months'.

Is Mr Leeson of retirement age then? If not, it will be interesting to know on what grounds he is 'proposing' to retire. This is particularly relevant given public sector stringencies especially when early retirement is almost always the most expensive option for an employer.

Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 1:23 AM

Childcare survey

Dorset County Council are conducting a survey for parents and carers with children aged 0-4 or children with a disability aged 0-17. Completed questionnaires must be returned by 19 March.

I found some Questionnaires on a table on the ground floor at Swanage Library. You can also complete the survey online, at:     http://tinyurl.com/yf7g8gm

Or you can phone Rhonwen George at the Market Research Group, on 01202 961377,  if you have any questions.

School Consultation (Feb 2010)

'New Consultation for Wool, Bere Regis, Swanage and Langton'.
Consultation: definition - 'to seek information or advice from someone'
Consultant: definition - 'a person who is qualified to give expert professional advice'

Here we go again!

Future school provision in Purbeck - consultation
A review of educational provision in the Purbeck area is currently under way.

The key purpose is to create a school system which is more efficient, effective and fit for purpose, enabling all children and young people to achieve high standards.

Update on progress
A period of public consultation is currently taking place in the Langton Matravers, Swanage and Wool areas on fresh proposals for primary school provision. In addition, public consultation is taking place in Bere Regis concerning which pyramid of schools Bere Regis School should reside in. Copies of the consultation documents for each of these areas can be found by clicking on the link below marked "Consultation documents".

Update letters have also been sent to staff, governors and parents and can be found below by following the relevant links.

Drop in sessions are being held within these areas during March. They are informal and are designed to provide anyone with an opportunity to meet officers and to submit their views. Attendance can be at any time during these sessions. Dates, times and venues are listed below:

3 March 2010
Wool First School, High Street, Wool
3.30 - 5.30 pm

3 March 2010
D'Urberville Hall, Colliers Lane, Wool
6.00 - 7.30 pm

4 March 2010
St Mary's Catholic First School, Folly Lane, Wool
3.30 - 5.30 pm

9 March 2010
Bere Regis First School, Rye Hill, Bere Regis
3.00 - 5.00 pm

9 March 2010
Children's Centre, Chapel Lane, Swanage
6.00 - 7.30 pm

10 March 2010
Swanage First School, Mount Scar, Swanage
2.00 - 4.00 pm

16 March 2010
St Mary's RC First School, Manor Road, Swanage
3.30 - 5.30 pm

17 March 2010
Swanage St Mark's First School, Bell Street, Swanage
2.00 - 4.00 pm

18 March 2010
St George's First School, High Street, Langton Matravers
3.30 - 5.30 pm


Project Manager
Name: Rick Perry
Email: r.perry@dorsetcc.gov.uk
Mobile: 07979240761
Full details for Rick Perry
Name: Purbeck Review
Email: purbeckreview@dorsetcc.gov.uk


Full details for Purbeck Review
http://www.dorsetforyou.com/index.jsp?articleid=388931

Missing dog: labrador/retriever

DOG FOUND> Owner thanks those who helped in search
Lab/retriever Honey went missing on Monday 15 February 2010 between Studland and Corfe Castle, near Swanage in Dorset. Honey has been seen near the Wytch farm oil field, and on 21 February was seen near Woolgarston, Corfe Castle, but she is a very nervous dog and could not be caught, although it is thought that if someone with a dog approaches her carefully it may be possible to catch her. Honey has been micro-chipped. She is wearing a disc with her name on it,and a green micro-chip tag. Honey is a much loved pet and companion and her owners are desperate to have her back.

If you see Honey , please ring her owners on 01929 425340 or 07847 242002.





Posted by Virtual Swanage to swanageview at 2:44 PM

Second homes

Saving Swanage from second homes

I've just bought a house here which was a second home and want to put some sort of covenant on it so that if I decide to sell it can't be used as a second home again.

How do you go about it? And what's the best way to define who can buy it? Are there always loopholes?

Thank you



Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 7:48 PM

Conservation area management

Swanage and Herston both have conservation areas with stringent rules about development. These are major assets to the town both environmentally and economically.

Unfortunately there is very little awareness of the importance of maintaining and enhancing the conservation areas. So far as I know PDC has no means of monitoring them for unauthorised changes and there has been a steady attrition ranging from upvc window frames to steel shutters on business premises, the latter having been given a certificate of lawful use last year because PDC was unaware of their existence for four years. A fact which tells us a lot about how little real concern there is for keeping the character of the conservation area.

I am posting this to find out whether there would be any support for establishing an informal organisation of occupants of premises in the conservation areas, both business and residential with the aim of exchanging views and information and expressing a collective "users" opinion on proposed changes and enhancement. I recognise that the views of the occupiers are frequently opposed to one another but I think a forum along these lines would be valuable and give those involved and insight into the concerns of the others.

I am able to offer a venue for meetings which is within the conservation area and basic facilities to produce a newsletter fr example.

Any takers?



Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 12:22 PM

Swanage Museum/Heritage Centre

Volunteers are wanted to help with work at the Swanage Museum/Heritage Centre. If you're interested in any aspect of Swanage history, and would like to help, do get in touch. Contact details are on their website: www.swanagemuseum.co.uk

Classical Festival (Seranata) Kimmeridge 26-28 August

One of our readers has posted the following on the earlier listing:
I've just found that the site has now launched and does have some extremely good artists. Geoff Sewell and Blake are performing and I've just found you can buy tickets from £55 for a full day with an evening performance and free camping so I've just purchased tickets! I'd suggest people look at the site as it has everything on there about the festival including the artists and the people behind the event - which includes Geoff Sewell. I hope that helps everyone!

Who's watching?

Does anyone know if this blog (or the one at Virtual Swanage) is read by the Mayor or any members of Swanage Town Council, the Town Clerk or Deputy Town Clerk, as a matter of policy? I seems to me that they should, in order to feel the pulse of one conduit of town thinking.

Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 7:29 PM

Good News

Can anybody please provide just one bit of news about Swanage which is encouraging? Which would cheer one up on a February afternoon? Which would inspire any young family to want to move here? Or stay?

The news is all so bleak, negative and backward thinking. There has to be something good going on in Swanage!

Let's hear about it!



Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:25 PM

Purbeck View School

With an advert in the local paper I see that Purbeck View School plan an expanding. Does anybody have any ideas as to where this will happen?



Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 5:43 PM

Sports Centre for Swanage?

A NEW SPORTS HALL FOR SWANAGE???

From PLANNING PURBECK'S FUTURE:

From the 19th January PDC report on Council Core Strategy - Key Issues Item 2.9:

In Swanage there is opportunity to investigate how a new sports hall could be provided for the benefit of residents.'

-----------------------------------

What do Swanageview's bloggers feel about the need for this, in light of all of the other priorities for the town? What facilities would you want to see it have?



Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 8:14 PM

New Subject

If you want to raise a new topic, post your comment here — just click first on Comments below, then type in post a comment (top right of the next window). Can you choose a title for your post, please? Sometimes it's hard to work out what a comment is about and what the subject is. A new heading will soon be set up, allowing others to see and add their own comments. It seems it's sometimes easier to click on 'Post anonymously' than to open an account in your name - you can always add your name to your message. We try to keep posts civilized. And any posts that become too provocative, insulting, threatening or otherwise unpleasant will be deleted.

Swanage Railway connection to mainline

Swanage Rail link under threat if funding not secured.

* Friday, 05 February 2010

The impact on the Town and the Isle of Purbeck of losing the service in the early ‘70s was dramatic, reconnecting the line would have an equally dramatic positive impact

February 4th 2010:

A Town & Community collectively holds its breath……………..

The much loved Swanage Railway, devotedly restored over the last 30 years is in danger of missing a key deadline to re-connect to the main line as local councils ponder funding issues.

Swanage is on the Dorset Peninsula known as the Isle of Purbeck and is an idyllic Victorian seaside resort, nestling at the eastern gateway to the spectacular World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Access to the region is limited to a single road in through Wareham and Corfe Castle or via the chain ferry at Sandbanks. This limited access has always restricted the number of visitors the region can comfortably support or the ability of local residents to travel to Bournemouth and Poole for work or education.

Having originally been closed in the early ‘70s, a dedicated band of hard working volunteers have spent the last 30 years restoring the line with the fervent hope of achieving a regular service by connecting to the Network Rail system at Wareham. This achievement is now in jeopardy as a key milestone approaches, namely Network Rail’s process planning for future signalling requirements. To achieve this and give it every opportunity of re-connection after 2012, the railway in the form of the Purbeck Rail Partnership needs an investment of £3 million to be committed by the end of February.

Apparent sources of funding from the Swanage Town Council, Purbeck District Council and elsewhere have so far not been forthcoming even though reputedly significant sums of money are invested or held elsewhere.

Informed estimates of the likely increased annual contribution to the local economy of a direct rail link are in excess of £7 million so what better investment could be made in the region’s future?

“The impact on the Town and the Isle of Purbeck of losing the service in the early ‘70s was dramatic, reconnecting the line would have an equally dramatic positive impact on the region from a social, economic and commercial perspective” said Julian Maughan, Vice Chairman of the Swanage & Purbeck Hospitality Association.

Once the investment has been secured, there are still a number of tasks to be funded and completed before the line can be re-opened for regular passenger traffic. However, without inclusion in Network Rail’s Poole to Wool re-signalling scheme for 2012, it is unlikely that such an opportunity will arise for many years. Hence this is the chance of a generation.

A regular rail connection to Wareham will allow people to travel between Purbeck and the rest of the country without using their cars, thus alleviating pressure on the county’s already crowded roads, as well as the environment.

Swanage Railway is already running regular train services over most of the branch. This has a substantial impact on the economy of Purbeck and Dorset. In 2009, Swanage Railway carried a record 224,000 passengers. Furthermore, the first through passenger trains from outside Dorset since 1972 arrived in Swanage with several more planned for 2010. Even these irregular charter trains had a major impact on the local economy as they brought many people into the area, benefitting the retail and hospitality trade in Swanage

For more information please contact Mr Julian Maughan Vice Chairman - Swanage & Purbeck Hospitality Association 01929 423972 / stay@thecastleton.co.uk

Swanage Secondary School

Secondary Update. Parents will not give up !!

Swanage parents fighting for secondary school
7:00pm Monday 1st February 2010
Dorset Echo

This resolution was passed by Swanage Town Council at its meeting on 1st February:

Swanage Town Council deplores the recent decision of Dorset County Council's Cabinet (1) to conduct no consultation with the residents of Swanage on the County Council's intentions towards the future of Secondary school education
in the town; and (2) to carry out no Economic Impact Assessment of the likely economic and social effects of the planned withdrawal of Secondary education from Swanage.


Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 12:23 AM

James Day Home To Close! ?

Has anybody else heard this news? I heard today that it is actually planned to close in two months time. The reason? Apparently it is not financially viable. Frankly this is a load of toffee and is more likely to be about making a quick buck by developing the site.

Call me cynical, but, don't we have enough derelict ex-care homes in Swanage already?

Posted by Anonymous to swanageview at 8:47 PM

Volunteer of the Year?

I learned at yesterday's Council meeting that PDC wishes to recognise a Volunteer of the Year, for each parish in the district. I suggested that this should be made widely known, to attract nominations from the community... but apparently there is only a week or so before the deadline. Although I've asked for wider publicity next year, for the moment, if you have any proposals, please publish them here and I shall make sure they are passed on. Or if you prefer to do this less publicly, send to me at mailATmikehadleyDOTnet