News

Poole people will be faced with spending up to £100,000 on local services in the Dolphin Shopping Centre on Friday 9 and Saturday 10 November.

Following a challenge from the Borough of Poole, local shoppers will asked to choose one of six options for the Council to carry out next year in addition to the range of other services it provides.

Shoppers can make their mark using multi-coloured ping pong balls as part of an innovative interactive display and choose one of the following options, each of which support the Council’s priorities for next year:

Option 1 - Major Wash and Brush Up of the Town Centre and Quay - £100,000

Option 2 - Independent Disability Forum - £30,000

Option 3 - Fire Alarms for Elderly People - £30,000

Option 4 - Youth Bus Project - £46,000

Option 5 - Area Committees - £100,000

Option 6 - Computers for Young People in Foster Care - £65,000

At the same time Councillors and staff from the Borough will be challenging people to say how they think the Council’s six priorities for April 2002-March 2003 could be achieved.

Cllr Bob Williams, Deputy Leader of the Council, said: "We’ve already had hundreds of votes through the response slip in Poole News but we want to make sure that as many people as possible take part and have their say. Each of these projects can help to make a difference and – and demonstrates the difficult decisions Councillors have to make when providing services for Poole."

Anyone interested in the options and priorities for the coming year can find out more at their local area meeting:

13 November, 6.30pm - Canford Heath & Canford Magna Area Meeting, Merley First School

15 Newtown, Bourne Valley & Alderney Area Meeting, Alderney Manor Community Centre, Herbert Avenue

27 November, 7.30pm - Broadstone & Creekmoor Area Meeting, Broadstone Library

29 November, 7.00pm - Hamworthy, Harbour & Oakdale Area Meeting, Liberal Hall, Blandford Road

Response slips must be received by 30 November 2001 and the chosen option will be announced by the Council in December and delivered during April 2002-March 2003.