Category: Information

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.

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

Blandford Stour Rotary – Barn Dance

Blandford Stour Rotary proudly presents their:

Barn Dance

Everyone welcome into Durweston Village Hall on  Saturday 14th May 2016 – 7.00 for 7.30pm

£10 to include ploughman’s supper, Bar available, Raffle, fun and dancing!

Tickets available from:

  • Horrocks & Webb Jewellers – Salisbury Street, Blandford
  • Rag Tags, Children’s Outfitters – Barnack Walk, Blandford
  • Ros Nelmes – 01258 860793

Download for: 160217- Blandford Stour Rotary Poster – PDF (A4 – Landscape)

Dorset County Council – Mobile Library Service Consultation 2016

Please follow the link below to see information on a consultation on proposed changes by Dorset County Council to the mobile library service –

Letter re consultation on proposed changes to mobile library services 2016

Please take the time to complete the survey so that we can understand the impact that the proposals may have.  You can give your views online at www.dorsetforyou.com/mobile-library-consultation or return this form via the mobile library or any static library.

The consultation is open from 4 April to14 May 2016.

 

Dorset County Council News – Dinah’s Hollow will reopen

A road between Blandford and Shaftesbury that has been closed for two weeks due to a landslip at Melbury Abbas will reopen in the next few weeks.

Dorset County Council and the landowners will start a clear-up operation next week after being given the go ahead from specialist geo-technical engineers, who assessed the site for evidence of further slips.

An estimated 30-50 tonnes of soil slipped from the slopes in the early hours of Wednesday 9 March. The weight of the material displaced concrete barriers that the council had placed along the hollow to protect road users following a report in 2014 that suggested that the slopes were unstable.

Cllr Peter Finney, the council’s Cabinet member for environment, said:

“We are pleased that the concrete barriers did their job and held back the majority of the slippage. And looking at what happened they would have prevented a car being submerged, therefore potentially saving lives.”

“The slip seems to have been caused by water run-off from nearby land. And although we undertook some tree work in the hollow earlier this year, this slip area was not part of this work.”

Since 2014 there have been negotiations with local communities to agree a strategy for stabilising the slopes, maintaining the hollow and keeping the road open to all users.

An advisory, voluntary one-way system for HGVs has been implemented to reduce the possibility of two HGVs passing on some of the narrow parts of both the A350 and C13. This scheme will be enhanced with advisory signs in the next few months.

And discussions are continuing with the Department of Transport, and a delegation of councils looking at the opportunity to upgrade transport links between Poole port and the M4

For more details about Dinah’s Hollow visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dinahs-hollow

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