The Summer Issue of the Magazine was distributed at the August Committee meeting. This Magazine featured the 'Wardens', who do a splendid job, distributing around 3000 copies to homes all over the BH18 postal code area.

At the subsequent meeting, the Committee discussed the increasing amount of mindless vandalism to property, particularly residential gardens. In particular it seemed to be a popular game to push over garden walls, and the question of employing a uniformed security officer to patrol high risk areas, was discussed.

Along with the Magazine, wardens were handing out a short questionnaire on the possible immediate steps that could be taken to improve parking congestion at the entrance to the toast rack. Completed forms to be handed in to the library.

English Nature appear to have completely stalled any progress on Footpath 5, and there is still a debate going on as to whether or not to allow horses and riders on to the Ashington Cutting end of the route.

As for local plans :-

The demise of the Duke of York pub in York Rd has failed to raise many tears, and clearance work has already started.

There is an application to put a One-2-One aerial by the roundabout in the Broadway, and one for a BT Cellnet aerial on Lower Blandford Road, by Pocket Park. This second aerial is considerably higher than the first.

Waste in Dorset also came up for discussion, as by 2009 we would have more waste than the available landfill space. Incinerators seem the only solution, but where???

The Chamber of Trade pointed to the number of empty shops in the Broadway, which reflected a decline in local shopping. It is worth noting that there are now far more shops than in earlier years, but the range of goods is much reduced.

Broadstone.net was the last agenda item, and ideas were sought as to how BRA might generate more enthusiasm among contributors. We had much the same discussion about content for the Community Magazine earlier in the year, with alas the same lack of response.

However, this contributor keeps going, and Long Live Broadstone.net!!

Dudley Hull (Secretary, BRA)

Say you saw it on "Broadstone NET"