Up the Creek

Cheek!

2010-02-12T17:00:00.003Z

More news from our friends at Ringmaster...

12/02/2010.. This is an information message. Shed and garage burglaries are continuing to occur across the area. Recently a resident discovered a male sitting on his property wall whilst another was discovered inside his shed at the rear. He challenged this male who claimed he was "hiding". There was no evidence that any theft had taken place or been attempted. Please pass this information onto your friends and neighbours and ask them to ring the Police immediately if they discover persons acting suspiciously, to enable officers to attend and verify the circumstances.
If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 01202/01305 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Thank you

Safer Neighbourhood Team dates for 2010

2010-02-08T18:40:00.002Z

Here they are...

Next Public Meeting
Hillbourne Community Centre, Cavan Crescent, Poole, BH17 7EY

Wednesday 24 February 2010, 6.30pm

Surgeries
Creekmoor Library, Northmead Drive

Monday 1 March 2010, 5pm
Monday 5 April 2010, 5pm
Monday 7 June 2010, 5pm
Monday 5 July 2010, 5pm
Monday 6 September 2010, 5pm
Monday 4 October 2010, 5pm
Monday 6 December 2010, 5pm

Cops at the shops
Co-op, Northmead Drive

Wednesday 20 January 2010, 7pm
Saturday 20 March 2010, 4pm
Monday 24 May 2010, 10am
Saturday 24 July 2010, 4pm
Monday 27 September 2010, 7pm
Wednesday 24 November 2010, 12pm

Can you help?

2010-02-01T19:33:00.004Z

We are looking for 3-5 Creekmoor residents that would be willing to help out the CCA with the maintenance and admin of the Community Centre, as well as the running of the CCA itself, people who are willing to get involved and commit just a small amount of time to spread the load that currently sits with a very small number of people. Sadly, our previous Treasurer resigned in January, which leaves us looking for a new one - you don't have to be an accountant, just be able to keep records of income and expenditure. There are a number of other jobs that we could use some help with, such as taking bookings, helping prospective hirers, maybe opening up and locking the Centre for events.

If you would like to help, or know more, please email by clicking here.

Just hang up...

2010-01-23T11:19:00.002Z

On the 19 January 2010 a telephone scam was attempted on a resident in Merley. The offender said they had over paid their council tax and if they paid £39.99 they would receive a substantial rebate. The offenders knew the victims address and bank details. Please be wary of any similar phone calls and report them to Dorset police on 01202 222 222.

If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 01202/01305 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Thank you

Pedalling dope...

2010-01-21T20:08:00.003Z

Please be aware we are experiencing a high number of thefts of pedal cycles from locked storage areas and underground car parking facilities. Please ensure you have recorded the full details, including the serials numbers and any unusual features or markings on your pedal cycle. Wherever possible photograph your bicycle as a significant number of them are recovered by Police but are not returnable as we have too poor a description on our records. If you require security advice, please contact your Local Safer Neighbourhood Team, or Crime Prevention advisor.

If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset
Police on 01202/01305 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Brrrrrrr!!!!

2010-01-06T20:25:00.001Z

Emergency services are likely to be extremely busy over the next few days due to extreme weather conditions. Do not dial 999 unless it is an emergency. People are also being advised to only visit local A&E departments in an emergency.

Only travel when absolutely necessary. If you have to travel, take sensible footwear, warm clothing, blankets, a shovel, food and water. Ensure you carry details of any recovery agency with you. Also ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy for the conditions - tyres, windscreen washers and wipers, lights, petrol, heater.

If you have elderly or other vulnerable neighbours, please check up on them and make sure that they are keeping warm and are able to have hot drinks and hot meals to ensure that they are kept safe during the severe weather period.

A Christmas message

2009-12-09T18:25:00.002Z

Just a short note from all involved in the Creekmoor Community Association, wishing all residents a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2010 is likely to bring some exciting times for the Association and the Community Centre, so stay tuned to this blog for news as it emerges. In the meantime, enjoy the holidays.

Yes, they really are this bad - but people still fall for it!

2009-12-01T18:30:00.005Z

A copy below of an email that my wife received recently from 'FedEx'. The English is really awful, and I'd guess this one would not fool many people, but do remember that not all scammers are this dumb. You may get a mail that is much more believable, but I'll guarantee that it is as fake as this one is.

Dear Beneficiary,

We have been waiting for you to contact us for your Confirmed Package that is registered with us for shipping to your residential location. We had thought that your sender gave you our contact details. It may interest you to know that a letter is also added to your package. However, we cannot quote its content to you via email for privacy reasons. Your e-mail was collected from the registered parcel letter of yours, FedEx Red star Courier do not ship money in CASH or in CHEQUES but Bank Draft and valuable goods is shippable. The package is registered with us for mailing by your colleague, and your colleague who is Surveying Project as he works with a OIL RIG consultant firm in Nigeria, west Africa.

Special Order. What you have to do now, is to contact our Delivery Department for immediate displacement of your package to your residential address. Note that as soon as our Delivery Team confirms your information, it will take only two working days (48 hours) for your package to arrive its designated destination. For your information, the VAT & Shipping charges as well as Insurance fees have been paid by your colleague before your package was registered. Note that the payment that is made on the Insurance, Premium & Clearance Certificates, are to certify that the Bank Draft is not a Drug Affiliated Fund (DAF) neither is it funds to sponsor Terrorism in your country. This will help you avoid any form of query from the Monetary Authority of your country. However, you will have to pay the sum of $200US Dollars being full payment for the Security Keeping Fee of your parcel so far to the security company affiliated to FedEx where your parcel has been for the past weeks as stated in our privacy terms & condition page. Also be informed that your colleague wished to pay for the Security Keeping charges, but they do not accept such payment considering the facts that all items & packages that are registered with them have a time limitation and hence cannot accept such payment not knowing when you will be picking up the package or even responding to us. So they cannot take the risk to have accepted such payment incase of any possible demurrage, Kindly note that your colleague did not leave us with any further information. We hope that you respond to us as soon as possible because if you fail to respond until the expiry date of the foremost package, we may refer the package to our head offices as the package do not have a return address. We do not accept C.O.D because it is not the duty of the postman to accept payment, but FedEx Delivery Services here in Nigeria.

Below is the shipment officer contact information including his email address with the parcel reference number, note that without you indicating your parcel number as listed below the FedEx delivery services will not listen to you, we will imagining if you want to steal another persons parcel.

FedEx Delivery Post
Contact Person: Mr. Mikel husmus
Email:fedex_deliverypost111@yahoo.com

Shipment Code: CPEL/OWN/9876
Parcel Number: EG2272-NIG

These are some people that received their Bank Draft via FEDEX COURIER SERVICE: Tracking Number: 413253952127 (www.fedex.com)

Kindly complete the below form and send it to the email address given above. This is mandatory to reconfirm your Postal address and telephone numbers to avoid any miss conduct.

FULL NAMES:
TELEPHONE:
POSTAL ADDRESS:
COUNTRY:

As soon as your details are received, our delivery team will give you the necessary payment procedure so that you can effect the payment for the Security Keeping Fees. As soon as we confirm your payment receipt of $180 USD, We shall immediately forward it to the security company for the release of your parcel and will also not hesitate to dispatch your package as well as the attached letter and a tracking number will be given to you. It usually takes 48 hours being an over night delivery service. Note that we were not instructed to email you, but due to the high priority of your package we had to inform you as your sender did not leave us with his phone number because he stated that he just arrived Nigeria and he hasn't fixed his phone yet. We
indeed personally sealed your parcel and we found your email contact in the attached letter as the recipient of the foremost package. Ensure to contact the delivery department with the email address given above and ensure to fill the above form as well, to enable a successful reconfirmation.

Yours Faithfully,
Mr. Gary Alis.
FedEx Red Star Courier Management Team.
Abuja, Nigeria, West- Africa.
All rights reserved. © 1995-2009
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This E-mail is only for the above addressees. It may contain confidential or privileged information. If you are not an addressee you must not copy, distribute, disclose or use any of the information in it or any attachments.

Another scam warning - pass it on

2009-11-25T20:34:00.001Z

We have been made aware about a company called PDS (parcel delivery service)
this is believed to be a mail scam originating from Belize. The idea is that
you receive a card through the post from this company claiming that they
were unable to deliver a parcel and that you need to contact them on
09066611911 (this is a premium rate number) DO NOT call this number, if you
call and reach a voicemail system you would have already been billed £15 for
the phone call.

We have not had any reports of this occurring locally as yet but as a
preventative measure it is worth making friends and family aware. If you
receive a card from this company then contact Royal Mail fraud on
02072396655 or ICSTIS (premium rate service regulator) at www.icstis.org.uk

If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset
Police on 01202/01305 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Thank you

Christmas starts here!!

2009-11-13T17:36:00.002Z

Tomorrow (14 November) sees the CCA coach trip for Christmas shopping at Gun Wharf Quays in Portsmouth. The coach leaves the Co-op car park at 8:30 in the morning, and will leave Gun Wharf Quays at 4:00 in the afternoon, arriving back at the Co-op around 5:30.

There are still places available if you want to turn up and have a great day out, free of the stress of driving, for only £7.

Last year was a great day - this year should be too!

News for those entitled to a blue badge

2009-11-02T20:02:00.003Z

A new online service has been launched that will make it much easier and quicker to apply for and receive a Blue Badge Disabled Parking Permit.

Borough of Poole and Bournemouth Borough Council, in partnership with Dorset County Council, have introduced a new internet-based service allowing residents to request a new Blue Badge or renew their existing badge. It will also streamline the process of checking people are eligible for the badge. Poole residents should visit www.boroughofpoole.com/bluebadges to apply for their badge.

The new Blue Badge system replaces a costly paper process. By automating much of this work the time taken for people to receive their badge will be considerably reduced. The removal of paper application packs and forms will also minimise the environmental impact of the service.

Those residents without access to the internet can speak to an advisor who will complete and submit the form on their behalf. Poole residents should call 01202 633605 and Bournemouth residents should call the council's helpdesk on 01202 458744

Can you help??

2009-10-21T18:35:00.002+01:00

A message from the Police in late September, but still worth checking...

This is an appeal for information. Following the recent Ringmaster message concerning a suspicious male in a van offering children lifts to school in the Higher Blandford Road area, we are appealing for anyone who sees a male in a new looking white panel van with tinted windows in the vicinity of any school to please contact the Police immediately on 999 with the registration number and current location of the vehicle. If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Thank you

Beware the shed burglars!

2009-10-21T18:31:00.003+01:00

A message from our friends at Ringmaster:

Several garage burglaries have occurred over the Poole area since the beginning of October, the latest being in Ardmore Road. Please re-examine your security if you store anything of value in a shed or outbuilding. If possible consider the installation of security lighting as a deterrent. If you require any crime prevention advice please contact the Local SaferNeighbourhood Team. If you have any information regarding this message please call the DorsetPolice on 01202 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Come as you are!

2009-09-22T18:26:00.004+01:00

Next Sunday is “Back to Church Sunday”. This is a national initiative welcoming people who have been to Church in the past
back to church.

Our friends in Christ Church, on Northmead Drive, are taking part in this event on Sunday 27th September and would love to welcome you along.

9:00 am - Holy Communion

10:45 am - All Age Worship

7:00 pm - Engage

Christ Church website http://www.christ-church-creekmoor.org.uk/

National details can be viewed on http://www.backtochurch.co.uk/

Help prevent crime locally

2009-08-27T18:42:00.002+01:00

This is a message from the chairman of the Association of Dorset Watchgroups, which is the lead association which feeds directly through to the Home Office. Home Watch Associations have purchased various crime prevention products for demonstration and/or loan for their members. This has helped Watch members to make informed choices in reducing opportunities for crime and thus to feel safer. The Association of Dorset Watches is keen to provide similar facilities across the County and, in support of this, has applied for a grant from the Proceeds of Crime fund to provide a kit of crime prevention aids to every Police Station for use in their area. Whether or not this bid is successful depends on votes from Dorset residents. As there are some 30 bids being considered, it would enhance our chances of success if you would vote for our bid "Crime Prevention Demonstration Kits" by accessing http://www.cashback.cjsonline.gov.uk/cc.asp?area=9&mode=vote and following the instructions. If you could provide support, it would be greatly appreciated. The voting period ends on 6 September 09 so plesae give this a priority.

Free stickers to safeguard your doorstep

2009-08-26T18:36:00.002+01:00

Scamwise Southwest have produced these stickers for your doorstep that advise cold callers not to bother, while another sticker on the inside of your door serves as a handy reminder to you of the rules for safety on your doorstep.

The stickers are free from either Creekmoor Library on Northmead Drive, or from Pets Direct on Waterloo Parade.

Get yours now, and be safe!

Be careful!

2009-08-10T16:02:00.003+01:00

This is a crime prevention message. A high number of thefts from unattended vehicles has occurred across the Poole and surrounding areas over the weekend. Both private and commercial vehicles have been attacked and tools, speakers and stereos have been stolen. Entry was gained by smashing windows,but no persons were seen. Please remind friends and neighbours to remove items of value and wherever possible park their vehicles in well lit and frequently used areas. If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 01202/01305 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.Thank you

New style distraction burglary

2009-08-07T17:58:00.006+01:00

A warning from our friends at Ringmaster.

In the last few weeks several burglaries have occurred across the Leicestershire area where householders have been targeted because they have a "For Sale" board outside their homes.The offenders have knocked on the door and asked if they can view the home as they are thinking of buying in the area. Once they have been invited inside they then split up and steal cash and jewellery before leaving. Some arrests have been made and this method has not yet been used in our area but Leicestershire Police would offer the following advice:

Never invite unannounced people into your home for a viewing.

Only accept viewings arranged by your estate agent.

You may wish to check with your insurance company regarding your cover should anything be stolen whilst persons are being accompanied by agents on a viewing.

Be a little suspicious - if you feel uneasy about someone calling at your home, don't let them in - phone the police and give them as much detail as you can.

For further advice contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team. Please pass this advice onto as many people as possible. If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 01202/01305 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.Thank you

East Dorset Wildlife Day

2009-05-04T18:45:00.002+01:00

An invite from Dorset Wildlife Trust...

It's open house at the Urban Wildlife Centre on Saturday 16th May 11-2, with guided walks on Upton Heath, activities, great Dorset Wildlife Trust refreshments including BBQ and a chance to see some real live wildlife and meet our real live urban team. The Urban Wildlife Centre is at Beacon Hill Lane, Corfe Mullen BH21 3RX, right on the edge of Upton Heath.

For more information check out the Trust May newsletter here but note that the date shown in the newsletter (16th June) is incorrect - it really is May!

Easter weekend fun

2009-04-04T14:49:00.009+01:00

If you're out and about in Broadstone next Saturday (11th April) then drop in for some Easter fun with our friends at Broadstone United Reform Church with Coffee and Hotcross Buns and Activities for children of all ages. Open from 10.30 to 12.30, you can find them on Higher Blandford Road (that's opposite the Broadway) in Broadstone.It would be great to see you there.

Follow the link for the information poster.

Great Dorset Beach Clean 2009

2009-04-03T21:59:00.002+01:00

Sunday 26th April is the day for the Great Dorset Beach Clean with volunteers expected across the whole county's coastline in 26 locations. The one nearest to us is the Holes Bay coastline; the picture above shows the kind of state this is in where it runs along the north-east corner of the bay, close on Upton Country Park. If you're able to help, then turn up between 11:00 and 2:00 on the 26th along the bay edge by the Fire Station roundabout. Just turn up and ask for the Beachmaster; they will provide you with rubbish bags, gloves, and instructions. For more information see the website here.

Don't be daft!

2009-03-28T16:45:00.002Z

You can see the latest crime report for Creekmoor here. It came with a warning from the Police that more people than you'd think are not being sensible, leaving valuables on display in their cars. No surprise then that some of these are going missing, particularly in vulnerable areas like quiet car parks.

Tip off!

2009-03-27T18:42:00.003Z

Latest news from our friends at Ringmaster...
"Information has just been received that the following two vehicles are heading towards the Bournemouth and Poole area. The first vehicle registration is similar to HJ05 GOC and it is a white Ford Transit tipper. The other vehicle is a again a white Ford Transit tipper, registration similar to R759 RFT. If the occupants of these vehicles call on you please do not accept any work from them and call the Police on 01202 22 22 22 quoting incident number I26:157 and I26:154. Please ensure elderly neighbours are aware of this message. Police advice is do not accept any work from people calling at your door. Thank you.
If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 01202/01305 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Hang on to your batteries

2009-03-19T19:43:00.004Z

Did you know that 'dry cell' batteries like to ones in the picture are incredibly toxic? At the moment they all go off to landfill, where they can eventually leak some really dodgy chemicals into the soil. The good news is that the EU Batteries Directive is due to become UK law shortly and requires that 25% by weight of portable (household) batteries placed on the market each year are collected for recycling by 2012, rising to 45% in 2016. This means that Poole Borough will have to be working on providing recycling facilities of some kind very shortly. So if you have dry cell batteries that have given up the ghost, please hang on to them for a while and recycle them when facilities do become available. We'll keep an eye on this one and report back when we have more news. We also urge you for the sake of the environment (and your pocket!) to use rechargeable batteries where possible. These are not particularly safer than other types, but of course they last a whole lot longer, being used again and again, so their impact is much, much reduced.

A few facts to think about (courtesy of a concerned councillor)...
Batteries are renowned for their ability to leak poisonous metals into the environment.

Lead Acid types: Very toxic but can be recycled . Never put in bin, take to Nuffield. Often found in not so obvious places like domestic alarm systems, UPSs, electric bikes

NiCd (Nickel Cadmium) Toxic and carcinogenic, Never put in bin, hang on to them for now for recycling later. Lots of older (and cheap newer) cordless power tools and ancient laptops use these. Domestic rechargeables are usually NiCd. These come under the classification of Horrible Things.

NiMH(Nickel metal hydride) Toxic, hang on to them for now for recycling later

Li-Ion(Lithium Ion) Not too bad in itself but the batteries have built- in computers. Can be recycled so...you got it.

Alkaline. Probably the most prolific of all nowadays. Can contain mercury which is very toxic indeed, otherwise ok. Some state "mercury free" on the case. Can be recycled so...you got it.

Zinc Chloride. The original! Not really that nasty but:Can be recycled so....

Some (awful) facts:
Around 600 million UK household batteries (22,000 tonnes) – the equivalent weight of 110 Jumbo Jets – are sent to landfill unnecessarily every year.
Under the Batteries Directive batteries containing more than 0.0005% of mercury and 0.002% of cadmium will be banned except in emergency and alarm systems, medical equipment and cordless power tools.
About 160,000 tonnes of consumer batteries, 190,000 tonnes of industrial batteries, and 800,000 tonnes of vehicle batteries are sold in Europe every year.
Only six EU countries currently have systems to collect all types of used portable batteries. In 2002 the collection rates were 59% in Belgium, 55% in Sweden, 44% in Austria, 39% in Germany, 32% in the Netherlands, and 16% in France.

Would you like to live here?

2009-03-14T17:41:00.003Z

Well, you do - this is a picture of the verge heading toward the Longmeadow Lane roundabout. Poole Borough spends around £1.8 million cleaning streets, opens spaces, and beaches. Don't know about you but I'd rather they either spent that on more valuable services, or knock it off the council tax bill. It makes much more sense to not drop the litter in the first place - a bit of pride in your home area makes a huge amount of difference, and, of course, people who carelessly discard litter in any open place are committing a criminal offence. A person convicted of this offence could be liable to a maximum fine of £2,500 - a few of those would go a long way to offsetting the cost of clean-up.

Please think before leaving your rubbish anywhere other than in a bin....

Get crafty for Mothers Day

2009-03-11T18:29:00.002Z

As a treat for Mum, why not come along to the Education Room, Upton Country Park and celebrate the first day of spring by making a crafty treat to take home. For just £1 you can have fun between 10:30 and 12:00 on Saturday March 21^st making a very personal gift for Mothers Day. If you're not quite grown up yet, best bring your Dad with you - get him to ring Poole Leisure Services on 01202 262753 for more information.

New addition

2009-03-10T20:56:00.002Z

We have added a new link at right which takes you to PDF document describing the classes that are curently running in the Community Centre, also useful for seeing which slots should be available for rent, if you have a class or group that is looking for a new home. Rates are very reasonable, phone Alan Chilvers on the number advertised in the class list for more details. We'll keep this up to date as things change.

Helpful in Hospital?

2009-02-26T17:28:00.003Z

If you or relative or friend received exceptional care from an individal or team in Poole Hospital (or any hospital) you can nominate the staff concerned for a prestigious award at Dignity in Care. While not all hospital staff are angels - they're only human after all - sometimes you come across someone or a team of people that go the extra mile and offer exceptional care and support, who really make a difference. This award gives you the chance to recognise and reward their efforts. Follow the link above to nominate; closing date is 6th March, so get your skates on

Watch it!!

2009-02-25T20:10:00.005Z

We've received news of changes to your TV from 25th March this year as part of the preparations for the switch to digital TV. From that date you may not be able to receive Channel Five on your analogue TV, and if you have Freeview, Top Up TV or BT Vision services, you may need to retune your services. The particular transmitter group affected are known as the Rowridge Group, and you can find more information on the website.

Nothing to do with me, gov...

2009-02-23T19:47:00.003Z

A petition was created asking the Prime Minister to "Prevent unreasonably large development of 2750 houses on Green Belt land around Lytchett Minster and Lytchett Matravers destroying their individuality and creating urban sprawl." 864 people signed up to the petition -- not bad considering it didn't get a lot of publicity, and it was the run-up to Christmas; bear in mind that over 35,000 responses were received to the formal consultation request.

Gordon Brown has now replied, basically saying he can't interfere 'at this stage' so the government will, as it stands, do nothing to prevent the destruction of the green belt around the Lytchetts, and the huge impact on surrounding areas, such as Creekmoor, that suddenly find themselves in the middle of a vast housing estate. It remains to be seen whether the travel, schools, and social infrastructure would be extended adequately to cope with such a large development.

This plan matters to Creekmoor - think about how an additional 10,000 people would be getting in to Poole to work, shop, and go to school. Think about how easy it will become to 'fill in' the green spaces between Creekmoor and the Lytchetts with additional housing.

Let us know your comments, supporting the increased availability of local housing, or opposing the destruction of beautiful countryside.

A warning and request for help from the police

2009-02-18T18:00:00.004Z

Since September 2008 a number of distraction burglaries have taken place over the Bournemouth and Poole areas. The offenders are still very active we would like your assistance in catching these offenders who prey on vulnerable and elderly members of the community. The offenders are believed to be two white males, one of whom is described as in his early 20's, 5'4 -5'6" with short dark hair and a round or plump face. He is said to speak with a distinctive accent. These men have used numerous methods for gaining entry. They have claimed to be Police Officers, Insurance salespersons, Water company employees and also members of the public wanting change from a bank note. They have also made excuses to get residents to go into their gardens and whilst one keeps them busy the other will remain inside looking for a purse or cash to steal. Please remind friends and family not to allow anyone entry into their homes who is not expected and who does not show identification. If in doubt keep them out. If you have any information regarding these incidents or you see any suspicious persons in your area call Dorset Police on 01202 222 222 immediately. If you have concern for a friend, neighbour or relative who you feel may be taken in by these males please contact your Safer Neighbourhood Team or Dorset Police on 222 222.If you have any information regarding this message please call the Dorset Police on 01202/01305 222222 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Are you affected by the contamination survey?

2009-02-16T18:52:00.002Z

If you have received a letter from Poole about the possibility of contamination of the land on which your house is built, you might want to have a look at the information pack on offer from the council. You can view or down load the pack here.

He can't believe it!!

2009-02-11T18:35:00.002Z

The Cabinet at Poole Borough have recommended a Council Tax increase for 2009/10 of 4.8%. The recommendation will go before the Council for a vote on Thursday February 19th. The Bank of England in January determined that the inflation rate (CPI) was at 3.1% and is projecting a fall to 2% in the medium term.

At a time when belts are tightening and many are concerned about their jobs, how do you feel about the likely increase in your council tax? Use the buttons below to leave us your comments.

Important information for Creekmoor Residents

2009-02-08T22:36:00.005Z

Borough of Poole is to carry out a series of tests on former landfill sites in parts of Creekmoor. Soil samples will be taken from land and properties in three areas around Northmead Drive, Petersham Road and Upton Road as part of routine checks required by Government legislation. The areas being tested were the site of former clay pits thought to be used as landfill in the 1950s, prior to being developed for housing in the 1960s and 1970s. The council is sending a letter and information pack to residents in Creekmoor about the tests, which will start in February.
More information is available here.

Residents will be able to ask council officers about the tests at two drop-in sessions being held at Creekmoor Library on Monday January 26, between 12pm and 4pm, and Creekmoor Youth Centre on Tuesday January 27, from 4pm to 8pm.

Cllr Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Borough of Poole, said: "We want to reassure residents living in Creekmoor that these tests are a precaution and required as part of Government legislation. We have consulted the Health Protection Agency and its advice is that residents should continue to live normally and use their homes, gardens and local open spaces as usual. Anyone who may have concerns is welcome to come along to the drop-in sessions where we can explain about the tests in more detail."

URS, the company conducting the tests for Borough of Poole's Environmental and Consumer Protection Services will contact residents to arrange appointments to take soil samples from their gardens.

Results of the tests will be sent to residents and published on the council's website www.boroughofpoole.com.

Don't take a chance

2009-02-08T18:26:00.005Z

A warning from our friends at Dorset Police that these difficult economic times can increase the temptation for some to try and con you out of your cash. Remember you can't win a foreign lottery when you haven't bought a ticket. E-mail draws where no tickets were sold do not exist. A legitimate lottery will never ask you to pay a fee in order for you to collect a prize or ask you to wait for a prolonged period of time before notifying close family or friends. Do not confirm names, e-mail addresses or telephone numbers if asked to ,as this may provide fraudsters with information that can be used to carry out identity theft. The link below provides more useful and interesting information from the Police.

See police advice