Really varied week with a real mixture of interactions
But first so pleased that we are getting 50 more police officers for Dorset. This is a start and the national funding formula needs changing so we are not disadvantaged in future.
The absolute trick though is how they are to be allocated - Sussex stated immediately they would go to the front-line - that's what we need here. It is about addressing the future for our residents and making Dorset the safest place in England.
That is where our future generations will grow up - let's make sure it's secure.
Great to have met with the residents of Sturminster Newton on Monday and the Chairman of Dorset Council Pauline Batstone - super talk and thank you for being given the opportunity to lay out my vision for the future.
Tuesday was an education. We have a national resource on the issue of fraud in all its manifestations with Professor Keith Brown at Bournemouth University. It's complexity and the need for research is paramount. I am baffled why locally we do not make more of the opportunity this could give us. Lots to do in this area to make us all that bit more aware of the scams and games out there.
This week I also met with Mark Elkins at the Cherries Cafe to discuss crime and ASB in Springbourne and East Cliff. He was hopeful of some help via the CIL fund from the BCP council but that has been kicked into touch until January. Just breathtaking because the issues won't go away.
Very productive time with Rob from Bournemouth Safewise. I really see the value of this operation - so many ideas came from an afternoon's conversation. Looking forward to seeing Weymouth Safewise next week.
Finally took a walk along Ashley Road, Parkstone and chatted to a couple of residents - the issues they discuss are exactly those that I want to address.
