Month: May 2016

Have your say – a combined authority for Dorset?

Alongside talk of unitary and devolution, you may have heard the phrase ‘combined authority’ coming up a lot recently. But what does it actually mean and how would you be affected?

The nine councils across Dorset have been working together on proposals for a combined authority. A combined authority would see them working as one democratically-accountable body around the areas of economic development, regeneration and transport. We’ve now got to the point where we want to hear from local people and businesses about those proposals. The consultation is open now and runs until 17 June 2016.

Why is a combined authority a good idea for Dorset?

  • As we are already aware councils need to transform the way they work in order to be fit for the future – this is the first step in that direction
  • A combined authority would provide Dorset with the certainty of structure and accountability to be successful in any devolution deal with Government
  • A combined authority would give Dorset one strong voice when bidding for funding or inward investment
  • A combined authority would provide speedier decision-making on issues related to strategic economic growth and strategic transport for the area

Six combined authorities have already been established nationally with many other areas also working towards this arrangement. This is an exciting opportunity for Dorset to be part of national change.

Please take a look at our combined authority pages at www.dorset-combined-authority.uk and use the short online form to tell us what you think about the proposals. It’s a chance for each of us to have a say about an important change to the local government landscape in Dorset.

Once the consultation has closed results will be collected, shared with the Secretary of State and then go onto inform Government’s decision on establishing a combined authority in Dorset.

Please note this consultation is about Dorset’s proposal for a combined authority and is not about unitary options. If you have any questions, please contact Steph Lyons at S.Lyons@dorsetcc.gov.uk or on 01305 224271.

Dorset Police and the Alzheimer’s Society making Dorset dementia friendly

Dorset Police is working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society, to establish ‘Safe Havens’, a local initiative which aims to make people with dementia and related conditions safe in their communities and homes.

The Safe Havens will be located in approved care homes or day centres, where anyone who is living with dementia and other related conditions can temporarily go if they are confused in public and are unable to provide sufficient information to be taken home.

Police officers or Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) will escort the individual to the Safe Haven and ensure they receive the appropriate care from staff there. The officer will only leave when all parties agree that it is in the individual’s best interest to do so.

Dorset Police and Alzheimer’s Society are looking for care homes and day centres to be part of the scheme. The locations will be open to people with dementia and other related conditions that members of the public, PCSOs or police officers have concerns about, or who have self-presented to a location such as a shop.

Alzheimer’s Society research, carried out with people who have dementia, asked participants what they felt were the biggest barriers to taking part in their local community. The research revealed that nearly 70 per cent were concerned about becoming confused and lost while in public (Alzheimer’s Society’s Dementia Report, 2013).

The Safe Havens project aims to address these concerns and make people who have dementia related conditions feel comfortable and assured in their local areas.

Jo Malyon, Services Manager at Alzheimer’s Society in Dorset, said: “Safe Havens are part of a wider project seeking to keep people with dementia safe, but also to improve their ability to remain independent and have choice and control over their lives.

“We want to ensure that communities across Dorset are dementia-friendly. For this, we need commitment from across the community, so it is hugely important that we can work alongside our neighbourhood police.

“According to research we carried out in 2014, 34 per cent of people with dementia did not feel a part of their community. We know this is partly because they lack confidence and are concerned they will become confused when they are out in public.

“We hope that this joint initiative will help mitigate these concerns and bring people who may feel lonely or isolated back into the community.”

Simon Thorneycroft, Mental Health Co-ordinator at Dorset Police, added: “Dorset Police is proud to be working in partnership with Alzheimer’s Society and Dorset Dementia Action Alliance.

“The Safe Havens will allow the police to provide a secure and comfortable setting for vulnerable individuals, while they make enquiries to identify them and ensure they receive the right care.

“The locations will all be voluntary and their assistance is key to making the scheme work.

“The scheme clearly demonstrates that partners working together can provide appropriate assistance of the highest standard to individuals and their families at times of great concern, which can be very distressing.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Martyn Underhill, is the Chair of the PCC Mental Health Working Party. He said: “Dementia affects one in every 79 people across the country and, with an aging population in Dorset, it is vital we safeguard every member of our community, especially our most vulnerable.

“Safe Havens provide a welcoming environment for those living with dementia and other related conditions and I would encourage as many organisations as possible to support the scheme.”

Care homes or day centres who are interested in supporting the scheme should contact Alzheimer’s Society in Dorset by email to admindorset@alzheimers.org.uk or by phone at 01202 764352.

If you, or someone you know, is worried about dementia, you can call Alzheimer’s Society’s National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or email helpline@alzheimers.org.uk

Published
Categorised as Crimewatch

Dorset Police Alert – Fail to Stop Road Traffic Collision

Fail to Stop Road traffic Collision.

At approximately 1100 on Sunday 1st May 2016 a Road Traffic Collision occurred on Lower Street, Okeford Fitzpaine. It has been report to Dorset Police a tractor has caused damage to several properties damaging the power supply,  a wall and guttering. The driver of the tractor has failed to report the collision and Dorset Police are looking for any information or witnesses to come forward to help with the investigation. We believe a Blue New Holland tractor possibly a TM8360 or TM 8260 was involved, it had orange chain harrow on the rear. The driver of the tractor is described as in his 60’s, balding with grey hair and short with a large build. Please call Dorset Police on 101 or crime stoppers on 0800 555 11 quoting occurrence number 55160072720.

Thank You.

Blandford NPT Team.

Dorset Police Alert – Can You Help People Move Beyond Crime?

This message is sent on behalf of Victim Support.

Set up over 40 years ago, Victim Support is the oldest and largest national charity for victims of crime across England and Wales, their family, friends and anyone else affected. We speak out as a national voice for victims and witnesses and campaign for change.

Every year we offer help to victims and witnesses, whatever crime they’ve suffered, whenever it happened and whether or not they’ve told the police. We help victims and witnesses find the strength to move on with their lives. Do you think you could become one of our Volunteers? Are you good at listening, empathetic, patient and supportive? Our services include giving emotional support and help to victims, providing information so people can find their way around the criminal justice system and helping with applications for criminal injuries compensation.

With our network of specially trained volunteers throughout Dorset, we work hard to make sure that every victim and witness gets the help and support they need, in a way that suits them. We help victims come to terms with what has happened and how they feel. We tell them about the options and choices they have and give practical support to help people move on with their lives. All this is free and confidential.

If you have some spare time during the week and want to help local people we can train you to help them move Beyond Crime.

For further information please do contact: vs.dorset@victimsupport.org.uk or telephone 0300 303 0163

Thank You.

Stourpaine Parish Council – Annual Parish Meeting

Stourpaine Parish Council will be holding the Annual Parish Meeting at 7.00pm on Thursday 19th May 2016 in the Village Hall.

Come along and meet your Parish Councillors, your Dorset County Councillor and your new North Dorset District Councillor.

Graham Stanley – Dorset County Council Countryside Ranger will be giving a presentation on the work of the Rangers.

All welcome

Annual Parish Meeting Poster 2016

Meeting agenda can be found by following the links below –

Agenda Annual Parish Meeting 190516

Agenda Annual Meeting 190516

Agenda 20160519

Dorset Police Alert – Appeal After Quad Bike Theft Near Sturminster Newton

Officers are trying to locate a quad bike that was stolen from a property near Sturminster Newton and are appealing to the public for information.

The quad bike was taken from a property between Manston and Child Okeford overnight between Monday 25 April and Tuesday 26 April 2016.

It is described as a blue and black Polaris Sportsman 500 EFI 2007 model with a winch fitted to the front.

Police Constable Pat McLoughlin, of North Dorset police, said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area to please contact me.

“I would also like to speak to anyone who may have been offered a quad bike matching the description in suspicious circumstance.”

No arrests have been made.

Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 26:51. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.

Published
Categorised as Crimewatch

Action Fraud Alert – Purchasing pets online

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) and Action Fraud have noticed a rise in the reporting of pets, and in particular puppies and kittens, being advertised for sale via popular online auction websites. The fraudsters will place an advert of the pet for sale, often claiming that the pet is currently held somewhere less accessible or overseas. Upon agreement of a sale, the suspect will usually request an advance payment by money transfer or bank transfer. However, the pet does not materialise and the fraudster will subsequently ask for further advanced payments for courier charges, shipping fees and additional transportation costs. Even if further payments are made, the pet will still not materialise as it is likely that the pet does not exist.

Protect Yourself:

  • Stay within auction guidelines.
  • Be cautious if the seller initially requests payment via one method, but later claims that due to ‘issues with their account’ they will need to take the payment via an alternative method such as a bank transfer.
  • Consider conducting research on other information provided by the seller, for example a mobile phone number or email address used by the seller could alert you to any negative information associated with the number/email address online.
  • Request details of the courier company being used and consider researching it.
  • Agree a suitable time to meet face to face to agree the purchase and to collect the pet. If the seller is reluctant to meet then it could be an indication that the pet does not exist.
  • A genuine seller should be keen to ensure that the pet is going to a caring and loving new home. If the seller does not express any interest in you and the pet’s new home, be wary.
  • If you think the purchase price is too good to be true then it probably is, especially if the pet is advertised as a pure-breed.
  • Do not be afraid to request copies of the pet’s inoculation history, breed paperwork and certification prior to agreeing a sale. If the seller is reluctant or unable to provide this information it could be an indication that either the pet does not exist or the pet has been illegally bred e.g. it originates from a ‘puppy farm’. A ‘puppy farm’ is a commercial dog breeding enterprise where the sole aim is to maximise profit for the least investment. Commercial dog breeders must be registered with their local authority and undergo regular inspections to ensure that the puppies are bred responsibly and are in turn fit and healthy. Illegally farmed puppies will often be kept in inadequate conditions and are more likely to suffer from ailments and illnesses associated with irresponsible breeding.
  • When thinking of buying a pet, consider buying them in person from rescue centres or from reputable breeders

If you have been affected by this, or any other scam, report it to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040, or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk
Published
Categorised as Crimewatch

Amber Dog Day Care

ADDC - Stur 15m radAmber Dog Day Care is pleased to announce a free collection service of a 15-mile radius around Sturminster Newton.

We offer human and canine interaction while you are at work or out for the day.

This involves lots of playing, walks across fields and in the woods.

The more days the dog comes, the cheaper the day rate.
We also offer a discount for multiple dogs.

Call on 07496 033 069 for a fuller description of our offering.
Email us at agility1@hotmail.co.uk.

  • Amber Dog Day Care staff are police checked (DBS).
  • Amber Dog Day Care  is insured.
  • Dog first aid course trained.

Amber Dog Day Care