BPC February News
Our recent meeting was on Monday 9th February at 18.30 and it was full agenda. We welcome public attendance to our meetings.
The next meeting will be on Monday 9th March at 18.30. We look forward to seeing you.
Date for the Diary
Monday 23nd March – Spring Open Evening – Culture in Common
BPC welcomes the parish to join them for a spring open evening. Boldre Parish Council invite the community to join them for a presentation from group Culture in Common.
Culture in Common is a community-driven initiative in the New Forest aimed at enhancing cultural engagement through arts and creative activities.
Doors open 18.00 – All welcome – refreshments available.
BPC Highways Report – February 2026
Flooding re-emerged as a significant issue across the parish in January. Hampshire Highways have been in attendance at a number of sites – including Burnt House Lane and on Boldre Lane to help address flooding and other issues.
Street furniture was collected from Boldre Lane by Southern Water.
Bournemouth Water attended a leak onto the highway at Perkins Piece, repair is scheduled.
The group has had some success in encouraging hedge trimming in the last few weeks, but please report any incidents of significant hedge encroachment appropriately. Hedges should be cut before the end of February.
The group has also contacted Cllrs Bowerman, North and Dunning to seek support for including Boldre Lane, Rope Hill and Pilley Hill in the Scheduled Works Programme – the roads have deteriorated - we have tried before!
Safety and Resurfacing work has been scheduled for the week beginning February 9th, on the B3054 at Bull Hill. This was notified to us by Cllr Bowerman in June, following safety at the cross-roads having been raised. The road will be closed daily for a week and a long diversion will be in place.
HCC Countryside Services were in attendance at the damaged footbridge on F25/14 (Rodlease Lane to Royden Lane). Unfortunately, the bridge was under water, so despite having the materials, the work could not be done. BPC put signs on the Bridge and the path has been closed. Countryside Services have promised to return to complete the work when the river subsides. We continue to pursue a solution to the problems on F25/11 (Pilley Hill to Warborne Lane), but progress is limited.
The group has received a significant number of representations from local residents, to which we have responded.
Reporting Highways Issues - Please continue to report highways issues – potholes, flooding, damaged signs, hedge encroachment to Hampshire County Council:
There is also now a section on HCC’s Website to report abandoned road signs !
A reminder that the Recreation Ground and Children’s Play Area are Dog Free Zones.
Recreation Ground
Work has begun on creating a ‘wild play’ area for Children on the Recreation Ground. An area has been cleared and further natural play resources will be added in the coming months.
A small team within the Council has begun to look at structural and material improvements to the inside of the sports Pavillion. The Council is in receipt of some funding for this and hopes to achieve further funding through the next Community Infrastructure Levy application which opens later this year.
Pavilion Hire and Football pitches
If you’re part of a group that might benefit from an outdoor exercise class or wants to use the pavilion as a hub for training, consider reaching out to the Clerk with your suggestions. The Pavilion is an excellent spot for hosting events or classes, offering access to toilets, showers, and a simple kitchen. Whether you have a new idea for using the space or belong to a group looking for a venue—occasionally or regularly—the Pavilion can accommodate your needs.
A Neighbourly Community
While we pass through the last of the winter, The Council supports and encourages the community to look out for one another and check in on our neighbours in times of adverse weather.
First Aid Course
The Council is arranging a first aid course free of charge. If you would like to book on, please contact the Clerk –
And finally from us.
Parish Councillor Vacancy
The council has two vacancies for a Parish Councillor. Being a Parish Councillor is a great way to get involved with the local community. If you like meeting new people, helping solve local problems, organising events and enhancing community facilitates this is a great opportunity!
If you would like more information about being a Parish Councillor, contact the Parish Clerk:
Volunteers
Can you help out? The councillors are all volunteers and give up their time to help the community. We have a few extra projects on the recreation ground that we could do with some extra help. Please let us know if you can give an hour, it is very much appreciated.
Boldre Parish Council
Council Chairman – Vincent Slattery
Parish Clerk – Victoria Thomas
