Statistics show that we citizens of Poole are working well. Thanks not only to our own energy and talents but also to the enlightened policies of our Conservative Government, we can look forward to a better and brighter future. Our hard work is bearing fruit. Latest figures from the Office for National Statistics show that we are delivering on our promise to help people get on in life, by building a Britain that works for everyone, not just the privileged few. And Poole is working even better than the national average.

On behalf of Poole Borough Council, Cllr Mohan Iyengar accepted two awards from the Federation of Small Business in a Wessex Region ceremony on Friday, 16 September. Against all other councils in Dorset, Poole Council and its Economic Development Team won the 2016 award for ”Most Innovative Small Business Friendly Programme” and was highly commended for this year’s “Best All-Round Small Business Friendliness” award.

Poole Council in collaboration with all other Councils in Dorset are considering restructuring. This could result in fewer larger Councils. A vital part of this plan is a consultation starting on 30th August 2016 where all residents are asked to comment on the options. This could affect you.

Our Member of Parliament for Poole, Robert Syms, has an additional job: he is now Lord Commissioner (HM Treasury). As a token of his holding this office, Robert received a sealed certificate from Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. In this new job he serves as a Government whip. We wish him all the best in the role, and remind him that we still value his local work greatly and look forward to seeing him among us in Poole just as often as possible.

The Mayor of Poole’s Pirate Boat Trip is scheduled for Thursday 11th August, 7.15 - 10.30 pm. We will start from Greenslades Boats on Poole Quay and tickets are £22 per person, which includes a fish and chip supper on board.

I am honoured and humbled to have been chosen by the Conservative Party to become its leader.  

The busy stretch of Haven Road in Canford Cliffs Village has just had a new crossing installed at the request of local residents. Conservative Canford Cliffs ward Councillor May Haines says residents are really pleased with it: "The people I have spoken to have said they feel much safer crossing the road, especially those older residents who are a little slower."

The Mayor of Poole, Conservative Councillor for Penn Hill ward Mrs Xena Dion, has officially unveiled the Poole Park Photo Mosaic to commemorate the 125th aniversary of the park. Xena: “It is a fantastic project and a celebration of our heritage. Each photo captures a precious moment in time, and it has been transformed into an artwork. People have been absolutely fascinated by it. Each time you look at it you notice something different.”

The Mayor of Poole, Conservative Councillor for Penn Hill ward Mrs Xena Dion, has officially unveiled the Poole Park Photo Mosaic to commemorate the 125th aniversary of the park. Xena: “It is a fantastic project and a celebration of our heritage. Each photo captures a precious moment in time, and it has been transformed into an artwork. People have been absolutely fascinated by it. Each time you look at it you notice something different.”

Poole has become the first town in Britain to approve a starter home development under new government policy allowing 20 per cent discounts for first-time buyers. Conservative Cllr Peter Pawlowski, chairman of the Borough of Poole planning board, which has just granted permission for the development, said: “This starter home initiative is a first not only for Poole, but for the country as a whole. More importantly, by tapping into this scheme, starter homes at a discount to market price will be provided to help first time buyers in Poole get on the housing ladder.”