By Julie Bradley

HAVING been away from Wareham, Kevin Randall was dismayed to find the bike park in Hauses Field, which he built, and which took two years of fundraising, had been dismantled. Mr Randall asked to see paperwork which said the bike park was unsafe.

Dorset Council has a fund to help families struggling with the cost of living. Applications should be made to Purbeck Citizens Advice. Carey Hall coffee mornings discontinued at the end of April.

The council welcomed Tom to the grounds team and Katie as administrative officer. The grounds team will now be able to cover a rota which includes weekends, especially as a cleaning company will be used to service the public toilets.

At the recreation ground the play area was badly damaged. At the roundabout by the railway bridge the tub has been repaired and replaced.

Repairs to the roof of the town hall were scheduled to start on May 9. A new accounting system will give councillors greater access to the council’s expenditure. The town clerk is working on an online booking system. The museum opening day was a success.

At the planning and transport committee meeting Cllr Dean pointed out that the boat hire company had received planning permission from Dorset Council to build a larger kiosk.

Two candidates had come forward for co-option to the council. Malcolm Lewis is known for Tower Chimes, the Visit Wareham website and the Saxon Festival.

David Robinson moved to Wareham in 2016 and is enjoying living here. He works as an information analyst for the NHS and has a particular interest in planning and transport.

The councillors voted and sportingly Mr Lewis shook the hand of the new councillor.

Cllr Goodinge expressed her appreciation that there were two candidates and said she hoped they would both stand at the town council election next year.

On Sunday, May 7, street parties will take place in North Street from 2.30-4.30pm with entertainment by the town band and Karl Latimer, and at Carey Hall from 2-6pm with singer Steve Dominey. Take your own food and join your neighbours.

Councillors decided that as a deterrent as well as for detection, a working CCTV system was important. Some cameras will be replaced, cabling improved and the recorder relocated to the town clerk’s office.

The Mayor Making is on Thursday, May 18, at 7pm in the Corn Exchange, and the next council meeting is on Tuesday, May 30, at 7pm in the council chamber.

For more information, contact the town council office on 01929 553006 or consult the council’s website, www.wareham-tc.gov.uk.