The importance of residents’ associations in contributing to a sense of local community and helping establish local priorities for action cannot be overstated.

In Longham the very identity of this historic village was in danger of being lost due to its absorption within Ferndown. It was, therefore, a pleasure to be able to participate at a recent meeting, organised by Cllr Julie Robinson, with representatives from Longham Village Residents’ Association.

The revived association has already helped prevent the inappropriate development of the Kings Arms, a former watering hole for Augustus John.

It has also intervened to protect a valuable right of way for residents to Longham Lakes. In so doing, the association has highlighted the unacceptable backlog which there now is in deciding applications under the Definitive Map Modification Process. The volume and speed of traffic remains a hot topic. But Julie was able to report on the implementation of the 30mph limit from Longham Bridge to Ringwood and agreed to make enquiries about whether Ham Lane would also be made subject to such a speed restriction.

Among other concerns raised was the use of disposable barbecues, particularly along the Stour Valley Path. The Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs is commissioning research to examine the role that disposable barbecues play in wildfires.
In the meantime, local authorities have powers to restrict the use of disposable barbeques using a Public Spaces Protection Order made under Section 59 of the Anti-Social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014.

Dorset Council has already used this power and I have now written to the council suggesting that the area around the Stour Valley Path should be included.
It was good to hear that the association is working with Litter Free Dorset with regular litter picks and a raising of awareness around other environmental issues including the problem of single use plastic tree guards.

The extent of that problem is much greater than many imagine. It is, therefore, good news that the Woodland Trust no longer uses these and is developing non-plastic alternatives.

Residents from Hampreston Village were also at the meeting.

Although Hampreston, with its historic church, popular school and conservation area status, has a strong identity, because of its small size it can feel ignored by the council.

It is, therefore, good news that Julie Robinson has agreed to pursue some of Hampreston’s issues with Dorset Council.

Following up on the issue of deforestation, I have now heard back from the chairman of the Forestry Commission. Although his response raises more questions than it answers, he has conceded that ‘heath is a man-made habitat’.

I look forward to taking up his invitation for a site visit soon.