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Sturminster Marshall

Village News

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September

The Youth Action Panel, which was set up in 2008, was a response by a small number of community-minded residents to address some of the social needs of younger people in Sturminster Marshall to compliment the activities of the already existing Youth Club, the difference being that it was intended to address the social needs of those in the teen-age category. It was hoped that, by providing a venue to offer suitable facilities for youngsters to meet, would have the effect of reducing levels of anti-social behaviour and the results have been encouraging. In consequence, we rarely hear of incidents involving youngsters nowadays. More recently, due to the demise of the Youth Club, the Youth Drop-In Centre has accepted children below teen-age and numbers in the region of 20 per evening are commonplace. Unfortunately, the problem of supervision has become critical, with responsibility resting on the shoulders of a precious few who regularly give up their time to ensure that the Centre continues to operate strictly in accordance with statutory regulations. This is unfair to them as well as disappointing to the youngsters when personal needs have prevented the supervisors from attending, causing evenings to be cancelled. The appeal is therefore again repeated for anyone welling to give up a few hours on alternate Fridays, to contact Maureen Steel on 01258 857855.  No particular skills are required provided essential criteria are met. If help is not forthcoming, there is a distinct danger that the Centre will be forced to close and the village will be so much the poorer without it.

Reports have recently been made of difficulties being faced by elderly residents using pavements where hedges require trimming back to the boundary. If your property has a front boundary hedge, perhaps you can bear the problem in mind.

There also appears to be a greater incidence of dog-fouling both on pavements and public footpaths. This is particularly distasteful for those who have visual impairment as well as being an offence for which owners may be fined. I understand that the footpath along the route of the old railway line commencing in Newton Road is a typical example.

Once more, another Summer has passed and the needs of Winter will soon be with us. We have quite a number of elderly residents in the area and cold weather and dark nights pose a problem for some which could be eased by a friendly act on occasions. Keeping a neighbourly eye on their movements to ensure that they are not suffering in any way will be a commendable act as will reminding them of the need to secure all doors and windows when not in use.

Finally, a reminder that the PACT Panel meets at regular intervals. If you have any issues you wish to have addressed, please contact me as detailed below. 

Geoff Thomas - Homewatch Coordinator
Tel: 01258 858878 EMail