5 August 2025 / 26 August 2025 by chrishenderson
Councillor Alasdair Keddie (Queen's Park & Charminster) says: "The low water levels in Queen's Park pond this year have been a big concern, I would like to assure everyone that a huge amount of effort has been going on behind the scenes to try and address this. There is a full programme of works now booked in for this winter to preserve the long term future of the pond."
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29 July 2025 / 26 August 2025 by chrishenderson
Work is now underway to regenerate the Woodpecker Play Area at Queen’s Park. Over Summer half-term, children were invited to look at the options for new play equipment and vote for what they liked the most.
Green Councillor for Queen's Park & Charminster, Alasdair Keddie, has secured grant funding for essential repairs and upgrades at every green space in the ward: * £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.
7 July 2025 / 14 July 2025 by chrishenderson
Hard-working Green councillors for Winton East, Simon Bull and Chris Rigby, arranged for the fence between the upper and lower sections of Winton Library Gardens to be removed. This follows last year’s re-opening of the lower section of the Gardens after years of work by Simon and Chris. Meanwhile, a new community information board is on the way to Fampoux Gardens between Green Road and Firbank Road.
1 July 2025 / 26 August 2025 by chrishenderson
East Cliff conservation area walks led by Councillor Sara Armstrong continue to draw residents eager to make a difference. These on-the-ground audits have spotlighted long-standing issues, and Sara’s persistent lobbying of Council staff is paying off. June’s walk saw real progress: graffiti reduced, fences fixed, accessible beach toilets reopened, lighting fixed, and new bins on […]
30 June 2025 / 26 August 2025 by chrishenderson
The Friends of Knyveton & Spencer Gardens were formed last year, with local Green Councillor Sara Armstrong leading on winning a £50,000 grant. Now, all Knyveton Gardens entrances have new signage, a new bin has replaced one damaged by fireworks, and the sensory gardens have had a ‘haircut’ with flowering plants returning. A Nature Walk, a table tennis table and children’s activity items are on the way. There’s more voluntary work going on in the park. Renovations to the community shed continue, alongside general upkeep. Meanwhile Spencer Gardens had a Spring trim.
The wooden play equipment and zip wire at King’s Park, installed in 2016, has sadly been removed due to safety concerns after rotting. Happily, BCP Council has a plan for change. Local Green Councillor Sara Armstrong has received confirmation from staff of a £200,000 investment to completely redesign and rebuild King’s Park play park.
26 May 2025 / 26 August 2025 by chrishenderson
Following discussions with residents, East Cliff hoteliers, and a recent beach litter-pick [pictured], local Green councillor Sara Armstrong has written to BCP Council bosses. She highlighted concerns in East Cliff over: disposable BBQs, inadequate facilities, general neglect of public spaces, parking enforcement and management, accessible toilets and beachfront access, and inaction over restoring the long-disused East Cliff lift.
7 March 2025 / 26 August 2025 by chrishenderson
The Woodpecker Play Area in Queen’s Park is set to be renewed, with a £73,000 grant secured from the Veolia Environmental Trust. The project will include new play equipment, improved facilities, and enhancements to the surrounding environment - making Queen’s Park an even better place for our community to come together. Hard-working Green Councillor for Queen's Park & Charminster, Alasdair Keddie, identified a suitable grant fund to apply to, and worked with the Queen’s Park & Charminster Neighbourhood Charity and BCP Council’s Greenspace Team to get the successful application in motion.
6 March 2025 / 26 August 2025 by chrishenderson
Last year, local volunteers successfully took over the management of an unloved patch of land near Queen’s Park. They envisioned a haven for biodiversity and pollinators, and a facility for the whole community. This Community Garden was the first project supported by the newly relaunched Queen’s Park & Charminster Neighbourhood Charity, after new local trustees stepped up. Reviving the charity was one of Councillor Alasdair Keddie’s key goals after being elected.
