Dorset

Dorset’s first permanent average speed cameras will be installed next week.

Six average speed cameras are being erected on the A338 Bournemouth Spur Road to support the new permanent 50mph speed limit, which came into effect in August 2018.

Three cameras will be positioned on the southbound carriageway between the Blackwater Junction and Cooper Dean Roundabout, with three further cameras mirroring these on the northbound carriageway.

Councillor Daryl Turner, Cabinet Member for the Natural and Built Environment, said: “These cameras will help make the Blackwater slip roads safer and easier to use by regulating the speed of traffic through the area.

“By travelling at a consistent speed, drivers will also be helping to improve the flow of traffic as well as reducing emissions.”

During the day on Monday 28 and Tuesday 29 January two speed cameras will be set up on the southbound carriageway.

There will be overnight lane one closures on the northbound carriageway between Cooper Dean Roundabout and the Blackwater Junction on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 January, from 8pm to 6am each evening, to install the three northbound cameras and the final southbound camera.

Gary Powell, the senior responsible officer for the A338 Improvements, said: “We welcome the idea that the Bournemouth Spur Road will be the first road in Dorset to install such cameras and we look forward to seeing the benefits these permanent average speed cameras will bring.”

It will take two to three weeks for the cameras to be tested before they become operational. The cameras will initially be set to enforce the temporary 40mph speed limit in force during the current roadworks.

The cameras will be managed by the Dorset Police.

A Dorset Police spokesperson said: “We are grateful to our council colleagues for the addition of average speed cameras. Hopefully this will be the first of further similar systems to be introduced that will assist in road safety and to contribute to a reduction of the number of people killed or seriously injured on our roads in Dorset.”

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Neighbourhood plan set for consultation

Milborne St Andrew Parish Council has submitted a neighbourhood plan to North Dorset District Council.

Neighbourhood plans were introduced in the Localism Act 2011 and aim to give residents more say in the future use of land and buildings in their area. For example plans can say where new homes, shops or offices might be built or where important green spaces might be protected.

The Milborne St Andrew Neighbourhood Plan sets out a range of planning policies, including a policy that allocates a site for development.

It has been submitted to North Dorset District Council who will now arrange an independent examiner to assess it.

The district council is required to publicly consult on the plan. The plan, supporting documents, and response form can be accessed online.

You can also view the plan at the Council’s Offices at Nordon Lodge, 58 Salisbury Road, Blandford Forum and the Council’s Offices at South Walks House, South Walks Road, Dorchester during normal opening hours.

All comments must be received by 4pm on Friday 1 March 2018. These comments will then be sent to the examiner along with the plan. Depending on the examiner’s report, a referendum will be held for the residents of Milborne St Andrew to decide whether the plan should be approved.

Huge amount of hard work

Cllr David Walsh, Portfolio Holder for Planning at North Dorset District Council, said:

“It is good news that the Milborne St Andrew Neighbourhood Plan has been submitted to the District Council. Its submission is the result of a huge amount of hard work by all those involved in producing the plan.

“I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in the future of Milborne St Andrew to have their say on the submitted plan.”

Cllr Emma Parker, North Dorset District Council Ward Member for Milborne St Andrew (Abbey Ward), said:

“Neighbourhood Plans provide a strategy for local people to set-out how their village should look and feel. By identifying what matters to residents we can help protect areas of importance and ensure that we have greater influence over the type of development in the area.

“I would like to thank the Neighbourhood Planning Group for their hard work in establishing a village plan for Milborne St Andrew. I am confident that this plan will be supported by the residents and the local community.”

Cllr Jane Somper, North Dorset District Council Ward Member for Milborne St Andrew (Abbey Ward), said:

“After the enormous work carried out by the volunteers on the Neighbourhood Plan Group, I am delighted that the plan has now been submitted.

I am sure that many of those living and working in Milborne St Andrew will be supporting this plan”

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Cllr Sherry Jespersen, North Dorset District Council’s portfolio holder for community and regeneration, said: “There are some really exciting community projects underway across North Dorset. It gives me great pleasure to support these initiatives which will all bring long and short term community and economic benefits  to our area.” Stalbridge Hub extension project

An agreed grant of £70,000 will go to Stalbridge Town Council. The project will enhance the current multi-purpose centre. This currently has a community run library, community office, meeting rooms  and Town Council office.  The extension will provide a larger multi-use room, improved catering facilities and smaller rooms. These will allow for outreach medical consultations and other support work.

This extension will also enable a current space in the existing building to create a heritage centre space. This would be for exhibition and museum archive purposes. Estimated costs of the project stand at £300,000-£350,000. A grant of £70,000 from the District Council would be a significant contribution. This grant would also help the Town Council to secure other funding. Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, leader of North Dorset District Council, said: “This extension will make sure the Stalbridge Hub can really expand the services and support the Hub provides for the people in Stalbridge and the surrounding villages. I am very pleased that the District Council has supported this project.” Gillingham Town Gateway project An agreed grant of £70,000 will go to Gillingham Town Council. Gillingham is the largest town in North Dorset and growing. It is home to many businesses, and has a vibrant community. The money will contribute to improvements at the gateways into the town and help attract future investment. The project comprises improvements to a total of 7 locations. This includes one project at the station, which is also an important Gateway. Estimated total project costs are £97,000. Blandford Market Place enhancement An agreed grant of £70,000 will go to Blandford Forum Town Council. The Town Council are developing the weekly markets, to bring more people into the town centre. The area used by the market provides a space for the twice weekly markets as well as being an important venue for open air events. It also provides a valuable frontspace to the historic Corn Exchange and adjoining Georgian facades.  This project would improve this area. Anticipated total cost of the project is likely to be between £220,000 and £340,000. The grant of £70,000 from the District Council would be a significant contribution. It will also act as match funding for other grants. Redundant supermarket Feasibility Study in Shaftesbury An agreed grant of £70,000 will go to Shaftesbury Town Council. The Town Council has placed a bid to buy a redundant supermarket in the town.  The aim is to develop this space with a mix of retail, commercial offices, start-up offices, commercial leisure and affordable flats. This would be in partnership with a local community enterprise organisation. This is an ambitious project backed up by sound business planning. Financial support will contribute towards the redevelopment costs. If Shaftesbury Town Council is not the favoured bidder then a grant of £50,000 will be allocated to a tourism signage improvement project in the town.

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