A review of the work carried out by the Melcombe Regis Board has been carried out.
The board was set up to tackle inequality, as life expectancy in the area is almost 10 years lower than in other parts of Dorset. Melcombe Regis is in the top 10 per cent of the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country.
Council, health, police, fire and rescue, housing, education and other leaders work together on the board to bring forward projects to improve the lives of people who live and work in Melcombe Regis.
Patrol officers introduced
These projects include working with Dorset Council and Dorset Police to help introduce uniformed patrol officers, known as CSAS officers, under the Community Safety Accreditation Scheme. More officers are currently being recruited to tackle anti-social behaviour and reassure the public.
Free gas central heating available
The board also helped secure £1.7m in funding for the Heat Melcombe Regis Project, which is seeing homes across the ward benefit from free gas central heating and other measures, like insulation, to improve energy efficiency.
Landlord Licensing under consideration
Another project the board has suggested is the introduction of a Landlord Licensing scheme in Melcombe Regis. Under this scheme, landlords would have to make sure homes were maintained to a decent standard. Poor quality housing is linked to poorer levels of physical and mental health. More than 500 people recently had their say on these proposals. Councillors at Dorset Council will consider these responses before deciding whether to introduce a licensing scheme.
Health walks launched
The board also supported the setting-up of Health Walks in Weymouth, which encourage people to enjoy exercise whatever their health needs. Many walkers benefiting from the scheme are recovering from illnesses or living with poor health. This scheme is now managed by Weymouth Town Council.
Purple Flag, Services Guide and new bins
Weymouth was recently awarded a Purple Flag award for the safety and vibrancy of its night time economy and the board helped achieve this. The board also published a ‘Guide to Services’ which was delivered to homes in Melcombe Regis to tackle social exclusion and make sure residents know what services they can access. The board also helped introduce improvements to the look of Melcombe Regis’ streets by installing new bins and helping with new hanging baskets, funded by Weymouth BID.
Support for a £3.79 quay regeneration bid
The board also supported the bid for £3.79 from the Coastal Communities Fund which will help transform Weymouth Quay. The plans include a Centre of Excellence enterprise, facilities for boat crews, an accessible space for boat charter businesses and new training facilities attracting maritime, marine and other students.
Cllr Graham Carr-Jones, Dorset Council Housing and Community Safety Portfolio Holder and board member, said: “I am pleased to have joined the board, we are looking at how we can improve the way we work with the community and other groups, such as businesses, community groups and the voluntary sector to do more to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in Melcombe Regis.”
More needs to be done
Cllr Jon Orrell, who sits on the Melcombe Regis Board and represents the ward on Dorset Council, said: “Getting the leaders of our public services together to tackle issues facing Melcombe Regis has helped deliver improvements. But more needs to be done.”
The board held a workshop to review the way it worked on Friday (21/6) and how it could improve. It is now reviewing its priorities, which currently include; delivering a good standard of housing, creating a thriving community, improving the environment, helping people achieve better physical and mental health, increasing employment and reducing crime. An updated plan will be published later this year.
