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16 Jun 99

HILLBOURNE/WATERLOO COMMUNITY LUNCH

Transportation and activities for under 10's were some of the issues raised by people from Hillbourne and Waterloo during the area's first community lunch which took place on 9 June.

The lunch, attended by over 40 residents and representatives from local schools, police, youth and health services, will provide a regular opportunity to exchange information and discuss current local issues in an informal setting.

David Williams, Policy Director, Borough of Poole said: "These meetings give people the chance to meet each other and look at issues which are important to the local community. By gaining from local understanding, the Council and other agencies can work with the community to find solutions which satisfy the needs of local people".

Eric Ketchley, long standing resident and community centre chairman said: "People in Hillbourne and Waterloo often consider this to be a forgotten part of Poole. In fact there is a great deal going on within this community. We need to make people more aware of this. These lunches are an excellent way of doing just that."

Sandy Benham, mother and local resident said : "We had a large board for people to write up what they would like to do for the area. I think this was a really good idea. People can say what they want and most importantly what they are going to do about it. They can also find other people to help and support them."

The initiative is the next stage of the Borough of Poole's successful community learning and development project, first launched in Canford Heath in April 1998, where a community guide, skateboard park and homework help club have already been established. The project has also been extended to communities in Oakdale and Alderney where a range of issues are under discussion.

The next lunch will take place at 12.30 pm on 21 July at the Community Centre, Milne Road. Anyone who would like to attend can contact Lisa Guppy, Borough of Poole, on tel: 01202 633202 for further information

David Williams, Policy Direcotr - tel. 01202 633202