Directory

Access tools

Set Text size

A

|

A

|

A

Set Contrast

A

|

A

|

A

Text only
Translation
Listen

News

Turlin Moor Residents Vote With Their Feet

Residents in Turlin Moor turned out in force earlier this month at a local ballot and voted overwhelmingly in favour of building new affordable housing on the site and a new community centre.

The existing community centre has been out of use since 2003 and as part of the Council’s strategy to build active communities, residents were invited to vote on four options in relation to the future of the centre.

With a turnout of 43% of those eligible to vote, almost double the level of vote in local elections, 408 votes were received in favour of new developments, compared with 172 votes for demolishing the centre and returning the site to green space. 153 people voted to refurbish the existing community centre.

With funding already secured from the Housing Corporation by Knightstone Housing Association for the new development, the next steps are for the residents, the Council and Knightstone to work together on the project and develop the scheme.  Work will also take place on developing a business plan for the new community centre so that it will be a going concern in the future when it opens.

The ballot activity is one of a number of initiatives that have taken place in the Turlin Moor community which has helped achieve a 17% reduction in anti-social behaviour over the last year.  Other initiatives include community lunches for residents every six months, improving the access outside of the Youth Centre and the proposed development of a number of outdoor activity areas. 

Councillor Elaine Atkinson, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Community Support said: “We were delighted at the terrific response by local residents in the ballot. It is great to see people voting with their feet and making it clear to us what services and facilities they want in their community. We look forward to working closely with residents in achieving a great new community centre with new and improved facilities for everyone to enjoy.”

Councillor Mike White, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Housing said: “We all know there is a need for more affordable housing in Poole and this ballot result has given the green light to work with the community to deliver affordable homes a new community centre, a double bonus. Now the Council and Knightstone need to work closely with the community to come up with a scheme which works well for those who live on Turlin Moor.”

Councillor Lou Knight, Ward Councillor for Turlin Moor said: “Local ward councilors have been working with the community over the last few years to develop a solution for the community centre site. We all now have a decision from the community on which way they want to go and we will continue working with them making sure their views are heard and acted upon as a scheme is developed”.

Lisa Gaskell, Communications, Borough of Poole on 01202 633060