PC Wyer, the Home Beat Officer for Broadstone attended the meeting to give details about the new plan for Community Policing. The Home Beat Officers (HBOs) are to be retained, and given additional support by means of mobile squads covering one of four larger areas. There are also plans to streamline the administration, possibly using extra part time staff, and take some of the pressure off the HBOs.

The disturbances in Lancaster Drive had decreased a little, but it was a sad note that the bus shelter had had to be downgraded to make it less attractive as a focal point.

There was some discussion about final arrangements for the planting and dedication of the Millennium Tree and Seat. Martha Applin, at 92, the oldest Broadstone born resident the association could locate, was to perform the ceremony, accompanied by the two youngest scholars, Bethany Ellis and Katharine Wingfield. The ceremony was held on 28th October, and in spite of some absolutely foul weather, about 50 hardy residents turned out to watch.

Broadstone Residents' Association had been in touch with Community Magazines about the lack of Broadstone content in the 'Broadstone' Issue. Since the main office had been moved to Ferndown, it was difficult to report frequently on Broadstone news, but there was a possibility that BRA could act as a Mailbox facility for local organisations.

The question of cleanliness in the Broadway raised its perpetual head again, particularly broken glass. If Residents found dangerous patches of broken glass, they should contact the Health and Safety officers at the Council. Otherwise the first flush of Autumn leaves had been swept from roadside and gutter, but with the recent strong winds, one would never know it.

No particularly unsuitable planning applications had been submitted, but the development of bungalows behind 113-117 York Road, and the small group of flats in Wetherby Close had both gone to appeal.

The Chief Warden calculated our paid up membership this year would be nearly 2900, still not our 3000 target. We were short of someone to deliver magazines and collect subscriptions in Lancaster Drive. If you think you could help in this role, please contact the secretary. The Christmas Parade, organised by the Chamber of Trade, will take place on Saturday, December 2nd.

The Poole Healthcare Trust was mentioned, as they are replacing the old Community Health Councils. The Trust is a forum of representatives from local GP Practices, nurses, carers, social workers and associated voluntary bodies. They represent communities from roughly 80000 to 130000 people. We had earlier written to Wilts and Dorset Bus Company, about the difficulty of using public transport to get to the new Bournemouth Hospital - particularly now the eye hospital had moved there. The reply said it was not difficult to get to the hospital, but suggested we approach the new Healthcare Trust on the subject.

Cllr Annette Brooke gave us a brief outline of the new Council Structure, which is coming into force in January 2001. Some details are given in the Autumn 2000 issue of Poole News, and one area where the public should get a better opportunity to express their views will be through meetings of the five Area Committees.

Finally the collection of recycling material from the 'black boxes' was raised - or rather the non-collection. It would appear that now Poole has such low unemployment, that the contractors cannot recruit refuse collectors, and are 16 people understaffed. In this case the decision has been made to keep the Wheelie Bin service at normal rate, and do less frequent black box runs. Meanwhile the hunt for staff goes on.

If you are not an existing member, and would like to join, ring me on 255076. Happy Reading!!

Dudley Hull (Hon. Secretary)

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