Due to the government’s advancement grant of £1 million received in September, the Boscombe Regeneration Partnership plans are now underway.
The Traders and Residents Working Group was created by the council to provide community knowledge and personal expertise.
On the 26th November 2020 I was able to attend the first session of discussions.
It was an emotional meeting where locals expressed their struggles living in Boscombe.
We want to embrace change and development
Jacky Dempsey, a resident of Boscombe since 1978 and a member of the group, said “we want to embrace change and development.”
However, she believes that a lot of money is wasted on Boscombe as new developments don’t last: “each time it gets worse.”
An example of this is colourful pavement designs in the town.
This was suggested in the meeting. However Ms Dempsey argues that the paint quickly begins to flake away and pollutes the beach and local area.
Another controversial plan for Boscombe is the installation of 5G.
Many in the meeting argued that this is a large amount of money to be spent on something that they deem unnecessary.
However, the installation of 5G is also believed to be critical for local digital businesses.
Further discussions will take place in the new year, and will continue bi-monthly until October 2021.
The Traders and Residents Working Group is organised and run by: Martha Covell; Programme Manager and Tina Kirkman; Community Engagement Officer.
More from this article:
George Farquhar – Boscombe needs more than just houses
Making Boscombe a home – the work achieved so far
For more on this topic:
Looking at the results of Boscombe regeneration so far
Making Boscombe a home – the work achieved so far