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C H I C K E R E L L T O W N C O U N C I L N e w s l e t t e r

N E W C O U N C I L S F O R D O R S E T In February 2018 the Secretary of State, Rt Hon Sajid Javid, agreed that the current nine councils across will be dissolved at the end of March 2019 and two new unitary authorities (Rural and Urban Dorset) will come into effect from 1 April 2019. Rural Dorset is currently served by Dorset County, , , Purbeck, and Weymouth & Portland Councils. Urban Dorset is currently served by , and Christchurch Councils (and Dorset County Council in Christchurch). Within the new authorities, Rural Dorset proposes to achieve:

A modern county economy Growth in exisiting and new sectors Centres for business across towns and villages Sustainable housing growth Improved digital connectivity Accessible and modern public services, education and leisure Dorset's natural capital - countryside and coast - promoted and enjoyed Strong local accountability with town and parish councils

The two new authorities will streamline the delivery of services and forge stronger relationships with town and parish councils based on their community, economic and social requirements. For more information about the proposal and objectives, see www.futuredorset.co.uk

K E E P I N G Y O U U P D A T E D A new noticeboard has been installed at the town council offices replacing the old wooden one that was becoming unusable. Information such as monthly meeting agendas and community council matters are displayed and updated regularly. An additional board has also been erected by the Town Council outside Willowbed Hall for related community matters and activities, which was kindly funded in partnership by the Spirit of . Town Council information can also be found on our website www.chickerelltowncouncil.co.uk

C O N T I N U E D O V E R C H I C K E R E L L C I V I C S E R V I C E N E I G H B O U R H O O D P L A N F O R C H I C K E R E L L Town Mayor, Cllr Dean is due to Q U E S T I O N N A I R E R E S U L T S host a Civic Service at St Mary's During November 2017 each household within Chickerell was sent a Church on Sunday 29th April questionnaire; everyone was invited to take part to ensure that a 2018 at 3.00 pm. All are wide range of views were received, not just those of the Committee welcome. or Town Council. 569 questionnaires were returned, a 23% response rate (just above the local average expected response rate). In addition to the household questionnaire, 284 Chickerell businesses were consulted and invited to make comment. Congratulations to questionnaire draw winners, Mrs E Reed (1st) and Mr W Hill (2nd). W I L L O W B E D The results will be available in a detailed report shortly, but initial findings indicate 93% support the request for a Health Centre, 91% H A L L agree Heritage Coast and 99% agree the wildlife corridor and open spaces should be protected. 69% felt the infrastructure is not keeping pace to meet our population needs. In additional many written comments have been received and will be analysed as part of the report.

C R O S S I N G P U T T O N L A N E

Chickerell Town Council have recently met with Dorset County Council's Safer Travel Officer to look at possible options to The circular window at Willowbed improve the safety of pedestrians crossing Putton Lane between Hall has been replaced and is Willowbed area and Greys Fields. Dorset County Council are looking great! currently undertaking surveys to establish a number of things such as footfall, vehicular usage and flow trends. The results of which will then inform further discussions regarding potential improvement schemes.

I M P R O V E M E N T S T O P L A Y A R E A TOWN COUNCIL MONTHLY MEETING DATES: New footpaths and areas under some of the apparatus are now Tuesday 15th May 2018, 7.00 pm (ASM) complete. Thank you for your patience whilst these works were carried out and the play area was closed. These have been done in time for the busier spring and USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS: summer usage enhancing the functionality and safety for all. Dorset County Council: 01305 251000

Our grass cutting season is also West Dorset District Council: 01305 251010 well underway as pictured; our Groundsman, Mark Terry. Dorset Waste Partnership: 01305 221040

Chickerell Library: 01305 760095

TOWN CLERK: Mrs Nicola Briar Chickerell Town Council, Town Council Suite, Putton Lane, Chickerell, Dorset DT3 4AJ TEL: 01305 767458 EMAIL: [email protected]

OFFICE OPENING HOURS: Monday to Friday 9.30 am - 12.00 noon

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