Sutton Poyntz

We have set a date for the pond cleanup of Saturday October 12th, starting at 09.30-ish. 

 

To my untrained eyes it looks like it really needs it, but according to advice from our biodiversity experts it's exactly how the wildlife like it!  Anyway we want it to look cared-for so we should be able to make it pretty while avoiding any disturbance to the ducks, moorhens, dragonflies, newts etc.   

 

It's taken a bit of time to arrange but we have now organised the clearance of the to-be-removed vegetation (temporarily on the day, and the collection a few days later) and the pub has generously offered the usual coffee and bacon rolls (yum-yum).  Now all we need is willing hands (and feet - in waders) and for anyone who's done it before you'll know it's a fun morning!  If you haven't been here to help before, come and meet everyone - it's a very social occasion!

As well as those waders or wellies, it's suggested you bring suitable tools such as a rake, secateurs, wheelbarrow - but no power tools please!

 

And what's this about roadworks?  Our beloved councillor Louie is on the case and has been trying to sort out what's going on at the Sutton Road / Preston Road junction.  He's chased Dorset Council officers and this is the response he received:

 

"Unfortunately, these works are one of four across the County in the same situation. Roughly four weeks ago, BT [Openreach] submitted immediate urgent permits for temporary traffic signals due to loose covers, these are usually dealt with in a matter of days, however, BT are having issues with retaining contractors to complete the repairs.

I have been in daily contact with BT pushing for updates and urgent attention to these sites. I will be completely honest with you, the updates I have been receiving are simply stating there is no update, which is completely unacceptable and frustrating as they have not been managing their permits to occupy the highway. Our Street Works Inspectors are visiting the sites each day and issuing occupancy fines to BT.

This morning’s update states that all should be repaired by the end of tomorrow. I do not like to sound cynical, but we have been given this update many times before so until I hear from my Inspectors who witness activity at these sites, I am not confident in what BT are telling me.

I am sorry this is not very helpful but as far as giving updates to any residents/businesses contacting you, please inform them that it should be repaired by tomorrow.”

Well tomorrow came and went (it's at least yesterday by now) and although there were white vans parked there, I think "parking" is the only relevant activity they achieved.

Meanwhile, if you subscribe to the Dorset Echo you'll have seen that Louie is also still working hard on our behalf to get a bus service re-instated for us.  Watch this space.

Finally, there are a few (very few) tickets left for the Murder Mystery Dinner - make contact quickly if you want to join our evening of fun!

Thanks

J & S

ps - I've not repeated details of where and when some events are planned - all these Newsbites are available on the village website here - so you've no excuse saying you couldn't find the info!