• £4,500 for repairs and improvements to the Strouden Park sports pavilion
• £8,000 to support regeneration of Cyril Park – which has not seen any meaningful upgrade in more than 10 years
• £7,000 for removal and replacement of the condemned pond viewing platform at Queen’s Park.

Alasdair commented: “Cyril Park is the only green space that a lot of children in this dense residential space have access to. It is vital that it is fit for purpose.

“The Queen’s Park pond brings a lot of joy to park users. The old viewing platform has sadly been fenced off as it is no longer safe. I’m delighted to have secured Community Infrastructure funding, levied from developers, for a replacement.”

“The pond’s low water levels this year have been a big concern, There has been a huge amount of effort to try to address this. A full programme of works is booked in to preserve the long-term future of the pond.” [Read more on the pond…]

The post New investment for all three Queen’s Park & Charminster green spaces secured by Alasdair Keddie appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Top photo: The Asda Foundation presenting a cheque to Friends of Knyveton & Spencer Gardens

Since being elected two years ago, hard-working Green Councillor for East Cliff & Springbourne, Sara Armstrong, has brought £103,400 of extra investment into our area. Sara has personally written and worked with local groups to make applications, resulting in securing grants, and Community Infrastructure funding levied from developers.

This is supporting projects that matter to local people – from safer parks and better bins, to improved green spaces and community facilities:

• £50,000 for Knyveton Gardens improvements to combat anti-social behaviour
• £20,000 for new play equipment in Springbourne Gardens
• £10,000 from the Prosperity Fund for district enhancements
• £12,000 helping deliver new outdoor equipment for Vale Lodge residents, play equipment and children’s area at the library
• £7,000 for extra security lighting, CCTV, electrics and sensory gardenupgrades at Knyveton Gardens in partnership with the Friends and Bowls Club
• £3,000 for new bins along the East Cliff
• £1,000 for pond improvements in the sensory gardens at Knyveton Gardens
• £400 for volunteers and events at Knyveton and Spencer Gardens
• £1,000 to help establish the Friends of East Cliff & Springbourne group to support local volunteering, future fundraising, and write grant applications.

Photo: The new Friends of East Cliff & Springbourne group – planning green space improvements, arts and heritage projects, community events and info

Sara said: “I’m proud to have secured this funding for our community. It’s a team effort and shows what we can achieve when we listen to local people and work together. This is just the beginning.”

The post £103,400 extra for East Cliff & Springbourne secured by Sara Armstrong appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Sara says: “The team are working up some ideas which ward councillors can take out into the community for consultation.

“The money needs to be spent by March 2025. £10k won’t go very far so we’re also looking into ways we can attract in more funding to enhance this important community space.

“Preserving our green spaces is vital for mental health, wellbeing, play and making connections with others. Many residents have been concerned about the parks in our area, in particular about play equipment.

“This is an issue very close to my own heart having grown up in the area and raised two children here. I remember taking my own children to this play park after a visit to the library and it being buzzing with other families enjoying a picnic together and having fun after school. I’d like to see that happening again.

“Please get in touch if you’d like to get involved in this project, give feedback or share ideas about the future of Springbourne District Centre.

“We have also heard the concerns expressed from users of the park and residents close by, about the loss of the beloved swing and the deteriorating sponge flooring.

“In light of this we have asked that this investment be directed to the park to maximise the benefit to the community. I attach a visual for feedback about the type of equipment preferred – a basket swing or an octopus seasaw?

“The sponge flooring will also be repaired.

“There is a fantastic opportunity for residents to get more involved with shaping potential developments in Springbourne district – from supporting the library and park as a member of a ‘friends of’ community group, getting involved with any fundraising, community events, volunteering or as a business owner from setting up a Business Watch or simply supporting a ‘buy local’ campaign by taking one of our BCP ‘buy local’ packs.

“There are plenty of good examples of community involvement around parks and district centres such as Churchill Gardens, Seafield Gardens, Winton Library Garden and now our own re emerging Friends of Knyveton and Spencer Gardens.

“If you are a park user please let us know which piece of equipment would work best for the children in the area in your opinion or if you would like to become a ‘Friend of Springbourne Park and Library’. Forming a community group will help us to access funding the council can’t apply for.”

The post Sara Armstrong discusses plans for £10,000 prosperity grant for Springbourne appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

For over a decade residents have had their gardens and pathways flooded and inaccessible during storms and heavy rainfall as the drain flooded across the street.

Today the extent of the damage was exposed – actually it had been covered by a plant pot and concreted in by a communications company, all those years ago.

Sara Armstrong commented: “They should be named and shamed in my opinion, as well as stumping up compensation for residents and the Council.

“The utility company have been out today and agreed to reimburse the Council for repair. BCP staff are undertaking the repair.

“This drain will finally be running smoothly, with residents able to access their gardens during heavy rainfall without the need for wellies for the first time in years!

“I have subsequently written to officers and the portfolio lead for Planning & Transport to request that the council tightens up its contractual relationships with utility companies and actively seeks reimbursement for the cost of repairs.

“Estimation of the cost of today’s work alone is in the region of £5k plus.

“Thank you to Chris and Danny for all your hard work “

The post Damage to local infrastructure by utility companies: Sara Armstrong demands wider accountability, as reimbursement to Council agreed for Grants Avenue repairs appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Green councillors abstained in the budget vote. Green Group Leader Chris Rigby acknowledged council bosses’ achievement in balancing the books, but told councillors: “I’m tired of choosing which cuts we have to do – tired of central Government setting what we can and cannot do.

“Councils need to come together, fight back, say ‘enough is enough’ – we don’t have the funds to deliver what our communities need.”

The post BCP Council budget of more swingeing cuts passed – without green support appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.

Kate Salmon, Green Party speaker for Moordown and a worker for an anti-poverty charity, says: “If you’re struggling with rising costs, you can call the Help Through Hardship Helpline free on 0808 208 2138, and speak to a trained Citizens Advice worker for personalised support to address your money worries.

“They can help provide support to maximise your income, help you navigate the benefits system, and identify any additional grants you could be entitled to. If needed, they’ll issue you a voucher for an emergency food parcel from a local food bank.”

Simon Bull, Green Party Councillor for Winton East, says: “Are you on a prepayment meter for your electric? Have you redeemed your voucher? Don’t miss out on the £400 available to help you: 

“Here is a link to the BCP Cost of Living webpage. As the cost of living increases it is important to be aware of the benefits, payments and support options available to you. There are local and national schemes that can help you with rent, food, energy and more.”

The post Cost of living crisis: Help is available for local residents, highlight Kate Salmon and Simon Bull appeared first on Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole Green Party.